Remis Carla Costa Disappearance Involving Paulo César de Oliveira Silva, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
This source-based behavioral analysis does not establish a clinical diagnosis, motive, or legal finding.
The case reveals a tragic trajectory of escalating domestic violence culminating in femicide, marked by control, jealousy, and abuse within a live-in relationship. The victim's activism and social engagement contrasted with her hidden suffering, while systemic failures in protective measures and police response exacerbated vulnerability.
Remis and Paulo César's relationship was characterized by possessiveness, jealousy, and repeated physical and psychological abuse. Despite the victim's attempts to seek help and file complaints, the abuser maintained control through intimidation and violence. The relationship involved cycles of aggression and reconciliation, with the victim isolated from family and friends.
The pathway to homicide involved increasing frequency and severity of abuse, culminating in a fatal physical altercation triggered by a trivial argument. The offender's substance use and controlling behavior contributed to the lethal outcome. Post-incident concealment and deception delayed justice.
Each entry separates the reported behavior or state from the analytical strength of the available narration.
| Behavior / construct | Person / subject | Detailed case context | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jealousy Emotional state | Paulo César de Oliveira Silva Suspect, Offender |
Paulo César's jealousy was evident when he suspected another man of making advances toward Remis, leading to destructive and violent acts such as breaking her phone and assaulting her. Context or trigger: Suspected advances toward Remis at a book launch event Reported expression: Attempted to access Remis's phone, damaged it, and exhibited aggressive behavior |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
| Coercive control Control dynamics | Paulo César de Oliveira Silva Suspect, Offender |
The suspect exercised domination by controlling Remis's social interactions, humiliating her, and perpetrating physical violence, creating a high-conflict and oppressive environment. Context or trigger: Throughout the relationship Reported expression: Humiliation, assaults, attempts to isolate Remis from friends and family |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
| Marital dissatisfaction Relationship stressor | Remis Carla Costa and Paulo César de Oliveira Silva |
The couple's relationship was marked by dissatisfaction expressed through escalating conflicts, culminating in a fatal physical altercation. Context or trigger: Repeated arguments and violence Reported expression: Frequent fights, physical struggles, and emotional distress |
Narrative-supported psychological state Confidence: High |
| Emotional escalation Escalation | Paulo César de Oliveira Silva Suspect, Offender |
A trivial argument escalated rapidly into physical violence, with Paulo César strangling Remis to death in an impulsive aggressive act. Context or trigger: Argument over cell phone on December 17, 2017 Reported expression: Physical violence escalating to fatal strangulation |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
| Victim devaluation Cognitive pattern | Paulo César de Oliveira Silva Suspect, Offender |
The offender's behavior included degrading and violent acts that diminished the victim's dignity and safety, reflecting victim devaluation. Context or trigger: During abuse and investigation Reported expression: Humiliation and disregard for victim's wellbeing |
Narrative-supported psychological state Confidence: High |
| Family opposition or interference Family dynamics | Remis Carla Costa Victim |
The victim's family actively sought justice and criticized institutional failures, highlighting family involvement in the case's progression. Context or trigger: After learning about abuse and disappearance Reported expression: Mobilization for search and criticism of police response |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
| Help-seeking or disclosure Coping response | Remis Carla Costa Victim |
Despite fear and isolation, Remis sought help through official channels, demonstrating attempts to escape the abusive relationship. Context or trigger: Filing police complaint in November 2017 Reported expression: Reported abuse and requested protective measures |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
Select a stage to expand it; scroll horizontally to follow the full sequence.
The couple lived together for about three years, during which the relationship was marked by cycles of abuse including physical assaults, humiliation, and controlling behavior by Paulo César.
Remis filed a police complaint in November 2017 reporting multiple crimes and requested protective measures, which were issued but not effectively enforced.
On December 17, 2017, a trivial argument escalated into a physical struggle during which Paulo César strangled Remis to death.
After the homicide, Paulo César concealed the body by burying it and attempted to simulate normality by depositing money into Remis's account and contacting her family.
Initial police investigation was slow and inconclusive, but community mobilization and an anonymous tip led to the discovery of the body and arrest of Paulo César.
Paulo César was tried and convicted for triple-qualified homicide and concealment of a corpse, receiving a sentence of over 18 years imprisonment.
After serving over six years, Paulo César was released to an open regime and later murdered in Vicência, with the case under new investigation.
Arrows show the sequence described in the source narrative; they do not prove that one psychological state caused the next event.
Analysis is limited by reliance on reported facts without clinical psychological evaluations. Some behavioral inferences are based on narrative descriptions and legal proceedings rather than direct psychological assessment.