Paraná police identify remains of two missing 18-year-old women

The Civil Police of Paraná confirmed that skeletal remains found in a rural area near Paraíso do Norte belong to Letycia Garcia Mendes and Stella Dalva Melegari Almeida, both 18 years old. The two women had been missing since April 21, after leaving a nightclub in the Paranavaí region.

Investigators identified the remains using dental records. Preliminary examinations at the site indicated violent deaths, though the exact cause and dynamics of the killings will be determined through further forensic medical exams.

Police believe the women were murdered by 39-year-old Clayton Antonio da Silva Cruz. During a police operation in Mandaguari on April 21, Cruz reportedly attempted to flee by roof and took a resident hostage before being killed in a confrontation with officers. Police also arrested a second suspect, a 29-year-old man, who reportedly led authorities to the location where the remains were buried.