Driver Who Confessed in Killing of Trans Woman in Bahia Is Identified, Free Pending Investigation

Overview

• Police identified the suspect as Sérgio Henrique Lima dos Santos, 19, a ride-hail driver who confessed after bringing the victim’s body to a station in Luís Eduardo Magalhães.
• Rhianna (Rihanna) Alves, 18, died on Dec. 6 inside a car after a reported 'mata-leão' chokehold during a dispute, according to the suspect’s deposition.
• After he sought help at the station, emergency services were called but confirmed she was dead, and he was released to respond to the case in freedom.
• A criminal law expert cited Brazil’s presumption of innocence and limits on detention without a judicial order to explain why custody was not maintained.
• The Bahia Public Prosecutor’s Office, the state justice and human rights department, and OAB’s gender commission said they are following the inquiry, as the family denounces the release and seeks donations for funeral costs.