A COUPLE in Brazil have reportedly been shot dead by a neighbour who “blamed them for infecting his family with Covid,” police say.
Flanklaber Silva e Silva, 40, and his wife, Marília Silva e Silva, 37, were both killed in Goiás on Tuesday in what has been described as an act of vengeance.
2
Flanklaber and Marília Silva e Silva were reportedly blamed for passing Covid onto their neighbours family before they died Credit: Jam Press 2
They were killed in a shed where they were working on Tuesday Credit: Jam Press
The suspect, who has not been identified, is believed to have lost both his father and his brother to the virus earlier this year.
Brazilian Media report that he allegedly approached the victims who were working in a large shed before firing 20 shots and feeling the scene.
He allegedly shot Mr Flanklaber in the head and Marília in the face.
Flanklaber died instantly at the scene, while Marília was rushed to hospital where she too succumbed to her injuries.
The couple’s son, Flanklaber Silva e Silva Junior, 21, was also shot in the leg suffering a fracture, but is said to be recovering from his injuries.
The suspect was later caught and arrested by Civil Police on Tuesday night.
An investigation has now been opened into the build up to the incident which cops believe was “motivated by revenge.”
In a statement, Felipe Sala of the Itumbiara Homicide Investigation Group, said: “They (the couple) were suffering death threats, as they were accused of having transmitted Covid-19 to the shooter's family.
Most read in News
Breaking
IN THE DOCK Mum, 31, holds her head in hands in court accused of murdering ‘happy’ son, 2
PARKING MAD Fuming driver slapped with ￡100 fine for parking in her OWN SPACE
PLANE TRAGEDY Afghan stowaway killed in landing gear was promising teen footballer
VILLAGE IDIOTS Festival-goers 'urinate in street and SPIT at shops' as 150 caravans arrive
NOT LAUGHING NOW Smirking mugs of county lines gang who used boys to peddle drugs in North
CAP IN HAND Teen, 19, who snatched Matt Hancock’s cap on Tube says 'come & get it'
“The suspect went to the scene to avenge the death of his relatives.”
It comes as Brazil looks to recover from the effects of the virus - which has already taken the lives of more than 500,000 people.
In the latest figures, the South American country recorded 41,714 cases and 1,064 deaths.
Overflowing Brazil cemetery digs up 1,000 skeletons to make room for more Covid victims as deaths spiral out of control