Professor shot dead on highway in Brazil, family alleges extortion

Daniel Oliveira de Andrade, a 27-year-old professor from São Paulo, was shot and killed on the Presidente Dutra highway in Nova Iguaçu, Brazil, during a trip to Rio de Janeiro. Andrade, who had recently completed a master's degree and secured a doctoral position at the University of São Paulo, was traveling with two friends when the incident occurred. Witnesses reported that their vehicle was pursued by two other cars, one of which allegedly forced them to slow down by cutting in front of a truck before shots were fired.

Police are investigating several theories, including a possible traffic dispute or an attempted robbery of a truck traveling ahead of the group. While the homicide investigation continues, the victim's family has leveled serious allegations against the Nova Iguaçu Medical Examiner's Office (IML).

Family members claim they were extorted and forced to pay a fee to have Andrade's body released for transport to São Paulo. The Civil Police stated that the General Internal Affairs department will investigate the extortion allegations.