Brazilian Model Found Murdered in Southern France, Ex-Partner Arrested
The body of 25-year-old Brazilian model Larissa Brito dos Santos was discovered dismembered during a customs check in southern France. Her former partner has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Gruesome Discovery in Southern France
A routine customs check near the town of Brignoles in southern France led to the grim discovery of the body of 25-year-old Brazilian model Larissa Brito dos Santos. Her remains were found dismembered inside plastic bags concealed beneath clothing in the trunk of a car. According to the ANSA news agency, multiple stab wounds were discovered on the victim's body.
The 29-year-old driver of the vehicle, holding both French and Algerian citizenship, was arrested on suspicion of murder. Reports indicate that he is the victim's former partner. He has denied all allegations against him.
Background and Investigation
Brito was born in Sao Paulo and had been living in Nice for the past three years, working as a model. According to People magazine, her relationship with the suspect lasted for about five months. She reportedly decided to end the relationship after discovering his alleged involvement in organized crime.
Her family reported her missing after failing to make contact. Her mother stated that she had reached out to the former partner, who initially claimed the victim was sleeping before eventually blocking her phone number. The mother asserted that he had been violent toward Brito, refused to accept the breakup, and continued to stalk her until she relocated.
"He could not accept the separation and continued to harass her," family members stated, noting that a friend witnessed a man carrying bags out of her apartment while the interior appeared recently cleaned.
Investigators are currently examining whether Brito was murdered inside her apartment and whether an attempt was made to destroy evidence. Authorities are reviewing security camera footage and communication records to reconstruct the events leading up to the discovery of the body. Meanwhile, the victim's family has launched a crowdfunding campaign to repatriate her remains to Brazil, with costs expected to reach approximately 100,000 Brazilian reals.
