Lucas do Rio Verde murder after kidnapping by criminal gang

Jonatan Rafael de Souza Leopoldino, a 34‑year‑old man from São Paulo, was found dead in a forested area near the town of Lucas do Rio Verde in Mato Grosso. Police say he and another individual were seized by members of a criminal faction on the night of 28‑29 May, taken in a Fiat Uno to a remote location, and shot. Jonatan was killed and his body was placed in a four‑metre‑deep clandestine pit, which was discovered by authorities the following morning. The second victim survived a grazing head wound, escaped the pit, and sought help at the local fire‑station before being taken to Hospital São Lucas for treatment. The incident is under investigation, with motives and suspects still unknown.