Bahia Trans Teen Influencer Killed; Confessed Driver Free During Femicide Probe

Overview

• Police identified the suspect as app driver Sérgio Henrique Lima dos Santos, 19, who drove the body to a station and confessed.
• Initial findings indicate Rhianna (Ryana) Alves, 18, died from a “mata-leão” chokehold during a trip between Barreiras and Luís Eduardo Magalhães.
• He told investigators he acted in self-defense after a dispute, and police released him to respond in freedom citing his voluntary presentation and Brazilian due-process rules.
• The case is being treated as femicide with forensic exams and witness interviews underway, and it is being followed by Bahia’s SJDH, the state Public Ministry (MP-BA) and OAB-BA’s diversity commission.
• The family buried Rhianna in América Dourada and organized a fundraiser, while federal deputy Érika Hilton filed a complaint contesting the release and seeking accountability.