Video clips recorded during Flamengo’s celebration of winning the Copa Libertadores, last Saturday (11/29), show a scene that brutally contradicts the result of that night. In the photos, Felipe Vinhas de Jesus, 29, is seen smiling, walking among dozens of cheering fans who filled the Churraquiño Ta Na Arya area, in Santa Maria.
Felipe wears a tall hat and silver chains that attracted the attention of the red and black crowd, and moves among friends and strangers in a festive atmosphere. For a few minutes, the camera records his companion next to him, in a black dress, watching the celebration. Nothing in the pictures gave any indication that the tragedy was approaching.
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Civilian police investigations soon revealed that those responsible for the attack had strong family ties to Felipe, a fact that completely changed the direction of the case.
Cousin and brother-in-law
The shooter, Benedetto De Souza, is the cousin of the victim’s accomplice. The driver of the car used in the crime, a black Fiat Cronos, is her brother, known as Cristiano da Conceição.
Benedetto admitted firing nine shots at Felipe. He claimed he was seeking revenge for the fan’s alleged attacks against his cousin – the victim’s current partner – and his aunt. According to police, Felipe reportedly detained the woman in a private prison and attacked her.
Shortly after the shooting, the suspects fled toward Caldas Novas (GO). In a joint operation, the Military Police of the German Defense Forces, the Prime Minister of Goiás and the Civil Police of the Defense Forces found Kronos in the Oligario Pinto neighborhood.
Hiding in the bathroom
Cristiano was arrested first. He then revealed the whereabouts of Benedetto, who was hiding in a hotel in the Nova Vila area. When the shooter approached him, he tried to run away, but ended up dropping a 9mm pistol and three magazines. He was found hiding in the bathroom of one of the rooms and was arrested. During the preliminary investigation, he admitted his responsibility for the shooting.
Investigators are now working to understand whether the motive behind the attack was limited to family revenge or whether other people were involved in planning the execution.
The red and black celebration took place without incident until gunshots suddenly interrupted the celebration. Three fans were injured. Felipe, who was seriously injured, was rescued by regulars and taken to the Hospital Regional do Gama (HRG), where he ended up dying. The other two victims received treatment at Santa Maria Regional Hospital (HRSM) and survived.
Chaos scenario
When military police arrived at the scene, they found a scene of chaos: running, screaming, chairs falling and fans in shock. The stall owner confirmed that the injured were transported by others who were present.
The 33rd Santa Maria Police Station took over the case, which was registered as multiple attempted murders, one of the crimes completed with Felipe’s death.
The police are now seeking to ensure:
- Whether the attacks against Felipe’s companion, reported by the shooter, actually occurred;
- Whether the attack was intentional;
- Whether others are involved;
- What was the true sequence of events that led two members of the victim’s partner’s family to plan the ambush?
Meanwhile, the images that previously recorded a night of happiness remain the last image of Felipe celebrating his favorite team’s title minutes before he was killed.