Dudu Morais, a 32-year-old lawyer, poet, and influencer, was found dead on his rural property in Tabira, in Pernambuco's Sertão region, on the morning of December 30. Civil Police confirmed the death and are investigating the circumstances. He leaves behind two daughters and a legion of shocked followers.
Dudu Morais, known as the Hat Lawyer for wearing the accessory during trials, was a prominent figure in criminal law in Pernambuco's Sertão region. With over 40,000 followers on social media, he shared recitations of his original poetry, blending themes of justice, life, and self-discovery.
In 2022, he published the book Under My Hat, which collects verses inspired by his professional and personal experiences. Beyond literature, he worked as a speaker, with a confirmed appearance at a criminal law event in Brasília scheduled for May 2026, and participated in vaquejadas, a Northeastern Brazilian tradition.
His death occurred on the morning of Tuesday, December 30, on his rural property in Tabira. Pernambuco's Civil Police are investigating the circumstances, with no details released yet.
In 2019, Dudu was accused of murdering his uncle, Clênio Evandro Cordeiro, aged 42, following a family dispute, but was acquitted at trial.
He leaves behind daughters Letícia, 14, and Maria Flor, 1. The National Union of Criminal Lawyers (Unaa) issued a statement of condolence: “His presence and voice leave a permanent mark on criminal law and all who walked with him. Our solidarity to family, friends, and colleagues, with wishes of serenity in this time of grief”.
Followers paid tribute on his posts: “Rest in peace, my friend… He was a poetry genius!”, one wrote. “Today poetry is in mourning”, another commented. “Can't believe it, we're shocked. He was great, an incredible human being!”, lamented an internet user.
