Rio de Janeiro police investigate shooting of 18-year-old woman

Police in Rio de Janeiro are investigating the shooting of 18-year-old Anabella Silva Cardoso in the Rio das Pedras community. The victim was shot in the head and transported to Hospital Municipal Souza Aguiar, where medical staff have initiated brain death protocols.

Anderson Barbosa Alencar was arrested in flagrante and is accused of attempted femicide and illegal possession of firearms. While Alencar claimed the shot was accidental during the handling of a pistol, investigators reported inconsistencies in his statement. Police did not find the weapon where he claimed to have dropped it; instead, they discovered a pistol, a revolver, ammunition, and magazines hidden in a bag among bricks and tiles on the roof of the residence.

Authorities stated that the charge may be upgraded to consummated femicide if the medical protocol confirms the victim's death.