A 48-year-old man, Leandro Idalino de Marcos, was arrested after stabbing his ex-girlfriend outside of a gym in Brazil on November 9. Following his arrest, he became a suspect in the disappearance and suspected murder of his 17-year-old girlfriend, Maria Rita Bento dos Santos, who had been missing since November 7. Maria's mother reported her daughter missing after not hearing from her for several days, raising concerns for the teenager's safety.

The investigation revealed that the last contact Maria had with anyone was a photo message sent by Leandro, which purportedly showed her sleeping at his house. This message was sent to Maria’s mother, but it raised further alarms due to Leandro's previous complaints to his mother-in-law about Maria's behavior. He expressed frustration over Maria allegedly invading his home and refusing to leave, which paints a concerning picture of their relationship.

Efforts by Maria's mother to find her led to visits to various locations, including a pension where she learned that Maria hadn't been seen in a significant amount of time. This case highlights the troubling dynamics of domestic relationships and the potential for violence, emphasizing the need for awareness and prompt action when individuals go missing under suspicious circumstances.