Police in Brazil have taken into custody the husband of influencer Maria Katiane Gomes da Silva, who died last month from a 10-story fall that was initially reported as a suicide but is now being investigated as a potential femicide.
On Nov. 29, neighbors called emergency responders after hearing screams and a loud noise. When officers arrived at the residence, they found Silva’s husband, Alex Leandro Bispo dos Santos, holding his wife’s body and claiming she jumped to her death after the couple argued, per local outlet g1.
However, authorities ruled Silva’s death as suspicious.
After reviewing security footage from the building, investigators with the Homicide and Personal Protection Department concluded that Santos’ testimony was inconsistent.
In the security camera footage, obtained by g1, Santos is seen assaulting Silva in the parking garage and later arguing with her inside an elevator. At one point, he appears to reach for her neck to pull her from the elevator.
Santos was arrested on a temporary warrant while they investigate whether the case constitutes femicide. Authorities say he is suspected of throwing her from the 10th floor of the condo where they lived.
A week before his arrest, images and videos on social media showed Santos attending Silva’s wake and burial, including moments of him embracing her coffin.
Silva had built a following on Instagram of over 6,000 and 22,000 on TikTok by creating content focused on makeup, lifestyle, and wellness.
Silva was 25 years old.
