João Roberto Bolelli, a 62-year-old cattle rancher suspected of murdering a 24-year-old woman with gunfire, was discovered dead by his son-in-law on Monday in a forested area along the Cândido Portinari Highway in Rifaina, São Paulo. According to CNN Brasil, Bolelli died from a heart attack and showed no signs of violence on his body.

The Public Security Secretariat (SSP) confirmed that the Civil Police had requested Bolelli's preventive arrest following the death of Priscila Lacerda Custodio last Tuesday in the same region. The suspect had not been located or contacted by family members since the incident. Authorities reported that Bolelli's body was found in an advanced state of decomposition.

Lauriani Baldini, the lawyer representing Bolelli's family, stated that preliminary examinations suggest the rancher may have died on the same day Priscila was killed. The SSP has been contacted for clarification regarding this timeline but had not responded at the time of reporting.

According to the police report, Priscila and her brother traveled from Perdizes, Minas Gerais, to Rifaina to return a pickup truck allegedly belonging to Bolelli. Her brother told authorities that conversations indicated Priscila felt intimidated or threatened. Upon arriving at Bolelli's residence, Priscila reportedly told him she wanted nothing more to do with him and intended to leave.

The visit was linked to promises of money and a vehicle made by Bolelli, which he allegedly denied upon her arrival. The report states that Bolelli demanded the return of a mobile phone in Priscila's possession; when she refused, he drew a firearm and shot her. He then pointed the weapon at her brother, who moved away to protect himself.

Following the shooting, Bolelli fled with the pickup truck that Priscila had returned. Her brother attempted to provide aid, but she was taken to a hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries.

While Priscila's brother claimed he was unaware of their relationship, a witness close to the victim described an "occasional relationship" between the two dating back to July 2026. The witness reported that on October 23, Priscila stated she had been assaulted by Bolelli and that he had hired people to monitor her. Additionally, it was noted that Priscila had been in a romantic relationship with another man for approximately four months, who was aware of the threats made by the rancher.

During the search for the suspect, a relative of Bolelli told police that the rancher appeared depressed on the day of the crime. The case has been registered as feminicide at the Franca Sectional Police Station, which will continue investigations. The SSP confirmed that the pickup truck used by Bolelli to flee was located and seized.

Sources: CNN Brasil.