Following her refusal to accompany a drug dealer, a young woman met a tragic end through fatal beating.
Sther Barroso dos Santos, aged 22, was assaulted in the early hours of August 17 after attending a party known as “baile funk” in Brazil to watch a performance by one of her favorite artists.
As per her family members, Sther stood her ground against leaving the gathering with a criminal figure, leading to her alleged torture and subsequent demise.
Her mutilated body was later brought to her residence by two individuals following instructions, and despite being rushed to a hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, she had already passed away upon arrival.
Authorities are currently probing the potential involvement of Bruno da Silva Loureiro, also known as ‘Coronel’ (Colonel), in orchestrating the fatal attack. Coronel’s criminal record includes various charges such as drug trafficking, robbery, homicide using firearms, gang affiliation, possession of illegal weapons, handling of stolen goods, car theft, and assault.
He is linked to the notorious Terceiro Comando Puro (Pure Third Command) gang and is believed to oversee the Muqi o favela, where the victim’s family resided in the past.
Having relocated from the favela to Vila Alian in search of a fresh start after experiencing a robbery, Sther and her relatives aimed for a better future. Sther was on the path to obtaining her driver’s license and gearing up to move into a new apartment.
Expressing her grief, Sther’s sister mentioned, “My sister had aspirations of motherhood and marriage. Now, I am lost without her presence in my life.”
Sther meticulously documented her objectives for the year in a journal, which included completing driving school, enrolling in three courses, adopting a pet, increasing gym visits, and expressing gratitude daily to God.
In one entry, she expressed a desire for her brother’s release from prison, affirming, “This will be my most remarkable year yet!” The investigation into the case is ongoing.
This incident follows the tragic death of a social media influencer during a TikTok live stream, which authorities are treating as a femicide.
Valeria Márquez, aged 23, was fatally shot due to her gender, sustaining injuries to the chest and head in a Zapopan, Mexico beauty salon, resulting in immediate death.
During the live stream, Ms. Márquez appeared to engage with a delivery person off-camera before the fatal attack. With a substantial following on Instagram and TikTok, she had mentioned an unexpected visitor with an “expensive gift” who had come to the salon during her absence. Expressing concern, she noted her
