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The one in Brasiléia arrested, around 1 pm this Thursday (5), the young man Mateus da Silva Conceição, aged 18, known as “Matheuzinho”, identified as the main person responsible for the execution of Paulo Lopes Rodrigues, a crime that occurred in November 2025. The suspect was at large and had an open arrest warrant.
According to investigations, Mateus is identified as the leader of the criminal action that resulted in the brutal death of the victim and the hiding of the body inside a refrigerator, later abandoned in a forested area.
According to the police investigation, the homicide was allegedly committed under the dynamics of a so-called “crime court”, a practice associated with the criminal faction Comando Vermelho. During the investigation, the police identified that Mateus had made a video call with leaders of the criminal organization to request authorization to apply supposed “discipline” against the victim.
Paulo Lopes Rodrigues was lured to a residence located in the Alberto Castro neighborhood, under the pretext of resolving a situation involving the theft of a bicycle. At the scene, he ended up being confronted by Mateus, who presented photographic records that, according to the criminals, would prove the alleged theft.
The investigation also points to the participation of a former partner of the victim, who would have acted as a moral participant in the crime. According to the police report, the woman informed the executors of Paulo’s whereabouts and reported that he had a history of abuse. These allegations, added to the woman’s express authorization for the criminals to apply violence against the victim, would have influenced the group’s decision to execute.
During the action, Mateus allegedly acted with extreme violence, striking the victim’s head with a piece of wood, as well as several kicks and punches to Paulo’s face, who was immobilized by an accomplice. Death was caused by severe head trauma, in addition to signs of strangulation, according to investigations.
After the crime, those involved placed the victim’s body inside an old refrigerator. The appliance was transported on a bicycle to a dense forest area in Ramal do Nazaré, where the corpse was abandoned. Other members of the group would have supported the action, monitoring the presence of police vehicles.
With the arrest made this Thursday, Mateus da Silva Conceição must answer for the crimes of qualified homicide, concealment of a corpse, corruption of minors and participation in a criminal organization.
The police investigation had already resulted in the indictment of other suspects, including Islano Jerônimo de Lima, Laércio Soares de Souza and Eduardo Gardiel Braga Firmino. According to the Civil Police, Mateus tried to flee towards Bolivia to avoid arrest, but ended up being located and captured.
The suspect now remains in the custody of the Civil Police and will be available to Justice.
