Manaus police arrest suspect in triple homicide linked to debt

In Manaus, Brazil, a triple homicide occurred in the São Jorge neighborhood after a suspect, identified as Ezenilson Silva de Sousa, allegedly entered a residence to seek money to pay a debt to loan sharks. The suspect reportedly used a hammer to attack the occupants.

The victims include Francisco das Chagas Morais Santos, a 66-year-old pastor; his daughter, Isabella Coelho Morais, 29; and Guilherme Pereira Lima Filho, a 65-year-old professor from the Federal University of Amazonas (Ufam). A fourth victim, Dilma, was also attacked but survived and remains hospitalized.

Police investigations indicate the suspect spent approximately two hours inside the home, stealing a small safe containing approximately R$ 900 and several mobile phones. Ezenilson Silva de Sousa has since been located and arrested after confessing to the crimes.

In a separate incident in Novo Hamburgo, a 19-year-old woman, Andressa Chagas Antunes, was shot and killed in a public square. Her 23-year-old friend was also wounded in the attack. The suspected perpetrator was found dead in a public street later that evening, and police are continuing to investigate the motive.