Overview

• A male body was found without its head at around 6:45 am in a narrow alley behind the Coliseu dos Recreios, prompting authorities to open a murder investigation.
• The decapitated victim remains unidentified as investigators collect DNA samples and other forensic evidence from the scene.
• Portugal’s Judiciary Police and a dedicated homicide squad are spearheading the inquiry in the tourist-frequented Pátio do Salema alley.
• Investigators are considering an unconfirmed theory that the killing may be linked to drug trafficking or territorial disputes.
• Earlier that morning, police ruled out foul play after finding a woman in her 50s dead in the boot of a nearby car.