Brazil court recognizes death of missing teenager

A court in Joinville, Brazil, has officially recognized the death of a 17-year-old teenager who has been missing since April 2024, despite his body not being found.

Investigations indicate strong evidence that the youth was abducted by a criminal faction, held against his will, and subjected to violence. The judicial decision noted that the evidence gathered and the circumstances of his disappearance confirmed an extreme probability of death, allowing for a declaration of presumed death.

A death certificate will be issued by the Civil Registry, noting that the body was not located and no burial took place. The case remains under judicial secrecy.