Santos police investigate death of engineer after political rally

The Civil Police are investigating the death of Marcelo de Oliveira Rocha, a 30-year-old environmental engineer and Unifesp master's student, who died after being beaten and robbed in Santos, Brazil.

Rocha was participating in a political rally supporting the reelection of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva when he was approached by a group of individuals. Video footage circulated on social media shows the attackers surrounding the victim, demanding his cellphone, and making threats before the assault. The crime was reportedly broadcast live on social media.

Following the attack, Rocha was found unconscious and transported to the Santa Casa de Santos before being transferred to the Hospital São Paulo. He remained in a medically induced coma until his death was confirmed on Monday.

Authorities have identified several suspects, including two adolescents who have been apprehended. One suspect, identified as a boxer, was also taken into custody. The investigation is being treated as latrocínio (robbery resulting in death), with additional suspicions regarding potential homophobic motives behind the violence.