Rio Police Arrest Four People Connected to Murder of Marielle Franco

Operation also arrested suspects linked to retired PM sergeant Ronnie Lessa

Rio de Janeiro

The Rio de Janeiro Civil Police arrested four people on Thursday morning in an operation related to the death of Councilwoman Marielle Franco (PSOL) and driver Anderson Gomes in March 2018.

Among those arrested is Elaine de Figueiredo Lessa, wife of retired PM sergeant Ronnie Lessa, accused of being the murderer of the councilwoman and driver, and her brother Bruno Figueiredo.

 

Burning candles at a vigil mourning activist Marielle Franco, one month after her murder on Ipanema beach, April 14, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / CARL DE SOUZA - AFP

Also arrested were Márcio Montavano, Márcio Gordo, and Josinaldo Freitas, Djaca.

The group detained on Thursday is accused of concealing weapons used by the gang, including possibly the submachine gun HK MP5 that was allegedly used to kill Marielle and Anderson. The weapon used in the crime has not yet been found.

According to the complaint filed by the Public Prosecution Service, they got rid of the retired military policeman's belongings, such as large weapons, the day after Lessa's arrest in March this year. At least six long weapons and accessories are thought to have been thrown into the sea.

Translated by Kiratiana Freelon

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