Teixeira de Freitas man dies after fatal assault

A 35-year-old man, José Carlos Souza Bitencourt, died on Tuesday at the Hospital Estadual Costa das Baleias in Teixeira de Freitas following a violent assault. The incident occurred in the Tancredo Neves neighborhood on Rua João Pereira.

Police arrived at the scene around midday to assist SAMU emergency responders, finding Bitencourt with severe facial injuries. He was transported to the hospital in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries later that evening. Reports indicate the victim was beaten with a wooden club.

Leandro Conceição da Silva, also 35, was arrested at his home in the same neighborhood. During questioning at the Teixeira de Freitas Territorial Police Station, the suspect admitted to the assault but claimed he acted in self-defense. He alleged the altercation began after Bitencourt insulted him regarding his wife and claimed the victim was wielding a knife during the fight. While a knife was seen in a video near the victim after the incident, authorities are investigating the suspect's claims.