Police Reopen 2022 Rape Case After Arrest in Killing of Catarina Kasten

Overview

• Santa Catarina Civil Police reopened a 2022 rape investigation involving a 69-year-old victim and will compare genetic and forensic material from both cases.
• Giovane Correa Mayer, 21, confessed to assaulting and strangling Kasten and remains in preventive detention.
• Forensic analysis confirmed death by asphyxia and indicated signs of sexual violence in Kasten’s killing on the Trilha do Matadeiro.
• Community cameras and photos taken by tourists helped identify Mayer within hours, and police found clothing at his home matching the images.
• The DPCAMI unit will lead the reactivated 2022 inquiry as authorities await complementary lab results and pursue new diligences, including inquiries involving the suspect’s relatives.