World · Latin America · 1 hr ago
Three arrested in investigation into 20 bodies found near São Paulo
Police in Greater São Paulo have arrested three suspects in investigations involving 20 bodies found between September 5 and October 26.
Fifteen bodies were found in the city of São Paulo and five in nearby towns.
Police have identified seven more people they say were involved, including five adults and two teenagers, but have not located them.
Investigators say the cases are not known to be connected and have found no evidence of a common perpetrator.
The use of plastic bags, cloth or other materials to wrap bodies does not, by itself, link the cases.
The victims showed no visible signs of violence, and police have not released forensic findings that could clarify how they died.
Investigations are continuing to establish the circumstances, motives and responsibility in each case.
Police in São Paulo have arrested three suspects in separate homicide investigations linked to a series of bodies found in the city and its metropolitan area.
Twenty bodies were found between September 5 and October 26 in cases being investigated as homicides.
Investigators have identified ten people in connection with four homicides; seven others have not been located.
Police say there is currently no evidence that all the cases are connected or share a common perpetrator.
- Who
- São Paulo Civil Police arrested three suspects. Investigators have identified seven other people, including five adults and two teenagers.
- What
- The arrests concern separate homicide investigations linked to a series of bodies found in São Paulo and its metropolitan area.
- When
- The bodies were found between September 5 and October 26, 2026. The most recent arrest was on October 26.
- Where
- São Paulo city and the surrounding metropolitan area, including Itapecerica da Serra, Embu das Artes, São Bernardo do Campo and Diadema.
- Why
- Police are investigating the deaths as homicides. They say there is no evidence that all the cases are connected.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Twenty bodies were found in cases investigated as homicides in São Paulo city and the surrounding metropolitan area.
A death later linked by investigators to the 39-year-old suspect occurred.
The 39-year-old suspect was arrested during the investigation into that death.
A homicide under investigation in Jaçanã was recorded.
Police arrested a 40-year-old suspect in connection with the death of a 22-year-old man whose body had been found the previous day.
Police made the most recent arrest, of a 44-year-old suspect, on October 26; the 39-year-old was indicted on October 27.
- Bodies found
- 20 between September 5 and October 26
- Location
- 15 bodies in São Paulo city; 5 in the metropolitan area
- Arrests
- 3 suspects
- People identified
- 10 in connection with 4 homicides
- Metropolitan-area locations
- Itapecerica da Serra, Embu das Artes, São Bernardo do Campo and Diadema
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What people are saying
Each case requires its own investigation, with analysis of traces, images, testimony and other evidence. Identifying the suspects represents important progress, but work continues until all the circumstances of the crimes are clarified and those responsible are brought to justice.