Valter Costa Filho killed in Florianópolis home invasion

Valter Costa Filho, a 48-year-old businessman and former city council candidate, was shot and killed inside his home in the Morro da Caixa region of Florianópolis early Monday morning.

According to the Military Police of Santa Catarina, three men invaded the residence around 4:20 a.m., committed the homicide, and fled the scene. During the escape, the suspects stole two legally registered firearms belonging to the victim: a 9mm pistol and a .380 caliber pistol.

Investigators are looking into potential links to drug trafficking, noting that Costa Filho had previous police records involving illegal possession of firearms, drug possession, and drug trafficking. The Homicide Police Station of Florianópolis is leading the investigation to identify the perpetrators and establish a motive.