An online personality with a following exceeding 300,000 people has been apprehended under suspicion of homicide following 16 years evading authorities.
Reinaldo da Silva Melo, a fugitive wanted in connection with the killing of Fábio Gomes da Silva in 2009, was discovered in a remote jungle area of Brazil. Authorities suggest the alleged murder was driven by vengeance, as Melo believed Fábio played a role in his father’s murder in 2004.
The crime occurred in Paulo Ramos, located north of Brasilia, Brazil. After the incident, Reinaldo disappeared into the wilderness, eluding capture for over fifteen years. Despite being on the run, he managed to marry and have three children, establishing himself as an influencer dubbed the ‘King of Juquira’. Juquira is a crop indigenous to the Amazon region, and Melo gained popularity for his adeptness at harvesting and processing it. His social media content showcased his farming lifestyle, humor, and rural traditions, amassing a substantial following on Instagram and TikTok.
After an extensive search, law enforcement finally located Melo in the rural region of Olho d’Água das Cunhãs, where he was arrested by the Bacabal Civil Police.
The influencer is currently in police custody, with a message posted on his social media indicating that legal proceedings are underway to resolve the situation. The note conveys a plea for understanding and patience during this challenging period, emphasizing their trust in the legal process and appreciating the support received.
Although the Maranhão Civil Police have detained him, further information has not been disclosed. A police statement mentioned that following standard legal procedures at the station, the suspect was transferred to a local prison.