Lawyer Rodrigo Marinho Crespo's murder investigation identifies suspect

Authorities in Rio de Janeiro have identified a military police officer, Renato Franco Lopes, as a participant in the February 2024 assassination of lawyer Rodrigo Marinho Crespo. Lopes, known by the aliases ‘Pitbull’ or ‘Fantasma’, was arrested in August 2026 following telemetric data analysis conducted by the Civil Police and the Public Ministry.

Crespo, 42, was shot multiple times in front of the Rio de Janeiro Bar Association (OAB-RJ) headquarters while leaving his office. At the time of his death, Crespo was involved in several legal matters, including the defense of Willer Tomaz in a judicial dispute over a mansion in Angra dos Reis involving professional footballer Richarlison. He also worked on cases related to cryptocurrency investment recovery and financial pyramid schemes.