An individual with a substantial following of over 300,000 people has been apprehended on suspicion of committing a homicide after evading authorities for 16 years.
Reinaldo da Silva Melo, wanted in connection with the killing of Fábio Gomes da Silva in December 2009, was discovered in a remote area of Brazil. The crime was reportedly driven by retribution as he believed Fábio was linked to his father’s murder in 2004.
The murder took place in Paulo Ramos, north of Brasilia, Brazil, following which Reinaldo went into hiding, maintaining a low profile for more than fifteen years. Despite being a fugitive, he managed to get married, raise three children, and establish himself as an influencer known as the ‘King of Juquira’. His content showcased his expertise in harvesting juquira crops in the Amazon region, garnering a significant online following on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Law enforcement authorities eventually located him in the rural region of Olho d’Água das Cunhãs, where he was arrested by the Bacabal Civil Police. Presently in police custody, a message on his social media platform indicates that legal proceedings are ongoing with the expectation of resolving the situation.
The Maranhão Civil Police have confirmed his detainment without divulging further information, stating that after formalities at the police station, he was transferred to a local prison.