Triple Murder in Lisbon Barbershop: Prosecutor Claims Mental Illness Symptoms Were Exaggerated

Shocking Incident in Penha de França

On October 2, 2024, a triple homicide occurred at a barbershop in Lisbon during a discussion about a haircut. Fernando Silva fatally shot Carlos Pina, the owner of “Ganda Pente”, Bruno Neto, who was outside the shop, and Fernanda Soares, a customer’s wife. After the murders, Silva fled to Pinhal Novo, where he was arrested about a week later.

Prosecutor's Findings

The Public Prosecutor's Office (MP) has stated that Fernando Silva exaggerated his symptoms of mental illness. Despite being diagnosed with mental health issues and treated at Hospital Júlio de Matos, experts from the Institute of Legal Medicine deemed him fit to stand trial. The prosecutor, Felismina Carvalho Franco, described Silva as “calculating and cunning”, exhibiting distrust, evasiveness, and excessive caution.

Legal Charges

Silva faces charges of four counts of qualified homicide, including three completed murders and one attempted murder (targeting Fábio Ferreira, another barber present). The prosecutor is seeking a maximum prison sentence of 25 years and argues that he should remain in preventive detention until the trial. Without these charges, Silva would have been released on Wednesday, marking six months since the crime.

Concerns Raised

The accusation also highlights Silva's apparent attempt to project a pathological image of himself, suggesting he exaggerated his symptoms to evade legal consequences. This behavior is noted in the scientific literature as a survival tactic to avoid penal sanctions.