A glam “gang member” who flaunted weapons online has reportedly been shot dead in the face during a bloody clash between police and drug traffickers.
Maria Eduarda’s body was found near one of the main access points to a favela after hours of gunfire, according to local reports.
Police say she resisted arrest and opened fire on officers before being fatally hit by a rifle shot on Tuesday (28 Oct).
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At the time, she was allegedly dressed in camouflage and a tactical vest with rifle magazine compartments.
Maria Eduarda is believed to have been part of Comando Vermelho (CV) – one of Brazil’s oldest and most powerful criminal organisations.
Her death came during the largest and deadliest police operation ever recorded in Rio de Janeiro, as reported by Need To Know.
Around 2,500 officers from multiple security forces were deployed to curb the CV’s territorial expansion and dismantle its logistical base.
The operation, centred in the Alemão and Penha favela complexes, left more than 120 people dead – including four police officers.
Maria Eduarda often flaunted guns and posed in camouflage on social media, earning her the nickname “Crime Muse”.
Also known by the aliases “Penélope” and “Japinha”, she was reportedly a trusted figure among local gang leaders.
She is said to have played an active role in the local drug trade, protecting escape routes and defending key selling points.
This week’s mega-operation also saw 113 adults and 10 minors arrested, and 118 weapons – along with explosives and drugs – seized.
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