An adult and two teenagers have been apprehended as suspects in the gruesome murder of an elderly couple in Água Doce, located in the western region of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The victims, 85-year-old Pedro Pires and 57-year-old Marli Chimello, were found dead in their home at the beginning of February, prompting a police investigation that led to the arrests a few days later. The authorities confirmed that the adult suspect is the former son-in-law of the couple, raising the complexity of the case given the personal connection.

The investigation revealed that the initial discovery of the crime took place on February 6, but it was not until the following morning that the police were alerted to the scene. Upon their arrival at the Assentamento Oziel, police found Pedro Pires lying on his back with head trauma, while Marli Chimello was positioned face-up with neck wounds, suggesting potential stabbings. The nature of the injuries indicates a violent altercation, and the shocking circumstances surrounding their deaths have resonated deeply within the local community, which reported that the couple had no previous criminal records.

Authorities are continuing their investigation, with significant concern over the motive behind such a brutal crime involving individuals connected by familial ties. The arrests occurred on February 23 during an operation conducted by the Civil Police, which executed warrants for both the adult and one of the teenagers. As the case unfolds, the community remains on edge, and questions linger about safety and crime in the region.