An individual with over 300,000 followers has been arrested on suspicion of committing a murder after evading authorities for 16 years.
Reinaldo da Silva Melo, wanted for the murder of Fábio Gomes da Silva in 2009, was discovered in a remote area of Brazil. Allegedly, the motive behind the killing was revenge as he believed Fábio was linked to his father’s murder in 2004.
The crime took place in Paulo Ramos, north of Brasilia, Brazil, following which Reinaldo went into hiding, maintaining a low profile for more than 15 years. Despite being a fugitive, he managed to lead a seemingly normal life, getting married, having children, and gaining fame as an influencer known as the ‘King of Juquira’. His content showcased his farming activities and rural lifestyle, attracting a substantial social media following.
Law enforcement eventually apprehended him in the rural region of Olho d’Água das Cunhãs with the assistance of Bacabal Civil Police. Currently in police custody, the influencer reassured his followers on social media that legal proceedings are underway to address the situation.
Maranhão Civil Police have detained him, and further information has not been disclosed. Following legal procedures, the suspect has been transferred to a nearby prison, as stated by the police.