# Missing persons investigation in Paraná

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/missing-persons-investigation-in-paran
> Updated: 2026-08-25T10:26:00.000Z. Sources: 39. Developments: 2.

Following a four-month investigation into the disappearance of 18-year-old cousins Letycia Garcia Mendes and Sttela Dalva Melegari Almeida from Cianorte, police discovered their bodies in a wooded area of Paraíso do Norte, Paraná. 

During the operation, authorities arrested a 29-year-old accomplice in Umuarama who provided information regarding the location of the remains. The primary suspect, 39-year-old Clayton Antonio da Silva Cruz, was located in Mandaguari. During an attempt to apprehend him, Cruz allegedly took a family hostage before a shootout occurred, resulting in his death. 

Investigators have reclassified the case as a double homicide. Seized evidence includes a firearm, ballistic vests, explosives, and jewelry as the investigation continues.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-25: Curitiba police investigate deaths of family found in apartment

Police in Curitiba are investigating the deaths of a doctor, an engineer, and their son found with stab wounds in their apartment. Investigators are analyzing forensic evidence and security footage.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lawyer-gabriel-da-silva-alves-missing-in-bahia

### 2026-08-21: Paraná police find bodies of missing cousins; primary suspect killed

The bodies of two 18-year-old cousins missing since April were found in Paraná, Brazil. One suspect was arrested in Umuarama, while the primary suspect died in a police confrontation in Mandaguari.

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/suspect-in-disappearance-of-two-women-killed-in-paran-police-confrontation

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Cite as: Missing persons investigation in Paraná. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/missing-persons-investigation-in-paran