An Army corporal was allegedly murdered by a fellow solider who then set her body on fire inside their military barracks.
Corporal Maria de Lourdes Freire Matos, a saxophonist with the 1st Guards Cavalry Regiment’s band, was found charred and with a deep cut to her neck.
Firefighters were called to extinguish flames at the regiment’s facilities on Friday (5 Dec) afternoon and discovered the 25-year-old’s body.
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Police say she was killed by soldier Kelvin Barros da Silva, 21, who confessed to the crime and is now being held at the Army Police Battalion.
The incident happened in Brasilia, Brazil, as reported by Need to Know.
Police said the suspect claimed the killing happened after an argument where Maria allegedly demanded he end his relationship with his girlfriend.
However, her family firmly denied that the two had any romantic involvement.
He now faces charges of femicide, theft of a weapon, arson and procedural fraud and could spend up to 54 years in prison.
The Army reported that the soldier was arrested immediately after confessing.
According to the Army’s Social Communication Center, a Military Police Inquiry (IPM) has been initiated.
Kelvin Barros da Silvawill be expelled from the Military Force.
A 1st Cavalry Guards regiment spokesperson said: “The 1st Cavalry Guards Regiment expresses its deepest sorrow for the passing of Corporal Maria de Lourdes Freire Matos.
“Whose career in the institution was marked by dedication, professionalism, and an exemplary commitment to service in the marching band.
“In this moment of grief, we express our most sincere condolences to her family, friends, and fellow soldiers.”
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