← Back to Brazil casesAna Caroline Souza Campelo and Carmelita Kidnapped by Eliseu Carvalho de Castro and Jacqueline, Maranhãozinho, Maranhão, Brazil
Case Summary
Ana Caroline Souza Campelo, a 21-year-old woman from Maranhãozinho, Maranhão, Brazil, was brutally murdered on December 10, 2023. After leaving work at around 1 a.m. on her bicycle, she was followed, abducted, and killed by Eliseu Carvalho de Castro, who was later arrested and convicted. The crime involved extreme mutilation and was investigated as a possible hate crime motivated by lesbophobia. Eliseu was sentenced to 27 years and 8 months in prison in November 2025. The case drew national attention and highlighted issues of femicide and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals.
Basic Information
Country: Brazil
State/Province: Maranhão, Brazil
City/Region: Maranhãozinho
Incident Type: Murder
Relationship Status: Dating
Relationship Duration: A few months
Incident Date: Dec. 10, 2023
Relationship Journey
Relationship Origins:
- Friends circle
Relationship Stages:
- Dating
Analysis
Contributing Factors:
- Domestic Conflict
- Family pressure
- Suspicion of infidelity
Red Flags:
- Escalation Pattern / Violence
- Secret affair
- Manipulative behavior
- Threats
- Suicidal Ideation
- Divorce Pending / Recent Separation
Motives:
- Jealousy
- Control/domination
- Fear of reputation damage
- Eliminate romantic rival
Relationship Outcomes:
- Divorce filed
- Legal case ongoing
- Homicide during marriage
- Arrest made
People Link Graph
Relationship Journey Graph
Origin
- Friends circle
How the relationship or connection began.
Status
- Dating
A few months
Stages
- Dating
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Warning Signals
- Escalation Pattern / Violence
- Secret affair
- Manipulative behavior
- Threats
- Suicidal Ideation
- Divorce Pending / Recent Separation
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Pressure Points
- Domestic Conflict
- Family pressure
- Suspicion of infidelity
- Jealousy
- Control/domination
- Fear of reputation damage
- Eliminate romantic rival
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
Incident
2023-12-10
Outcome
- Divorce filed
- Legal case ongoing
- Homicide during marriage
- Arrest made
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
Sources
English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
Ana Caroline Souza Campelo and Carmelita Kidnapped by Eliseu Carvalho de Castro and Jacqueline, Maranhãozinho, Maranhão, Brazil
Relato de Casos Criminais · Original language: Portuguese
View original title
Perseguida de bicicleta às 2h da manhã… o desfecho é revoltante | Caso Ana Caroline
AI Intelligence Assessment
Relationship Pattern
Jealousy
Pattern Analysis
The case involves a brutal murder motivated by jealousy and possible homophobic hatred against the victim's sexual orientation. The suspect followed the victim, abducted her, and committed a violent femicide. The relationship was a dating one, and the crime reflects extreme domestic conflict and control dynamics.
Investigative Notes
Investigation relied on surveillance footage, witness testimonies, and forensic evidence. The suspect was arrested after months of investigation and convicted in a jury trial. Defense challenged photographic identifications and evidence reliability, but the court found sufficient proof for conviction. The case remains a reference for femicide and hate crime investigations.
Investigation Confusion
Initial absence of suspects delayed progress. Conflicting alibis from suspect and wife. Defense contested witness identifications and forensic evidence reliability. Motive remained unclear for months, with police investigating hate crime and other hypotheses.
Case Reconstruction / Puzzle Pieces
Ana Caroline left work at 1 a.m. on December 10, 2023, riding her bicycle. Surveillance footage showed Eliseu following her on a motorcycle. Witnesses heard a woman crying and saw the suspect abducting her. The victim's mutilated body was found hours later. Eliseu was arrested after being identified and linked to the motorcycle. He denied involvement but was convicted after trial based on multiple evidence sources.
Risk Assessment
High risk of lethal violence in context of homophobia and jealousy; suspect showed manipulative behavior and attempted to evade detection by changing routine and selling evidence.
Key Takeaways
Early surveillance footage and witness reports were crucial. The case highlights the dangers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, especially in rural areas. Public mobilization and media attention pressured authorities. Defense challenges to evidence show importance of proper identification procedures. The brutality underscores the need for hate crime recognition and prevention.
AI Case Q&A
What early signals mattered most?
Surveillance footage showing suspect following victim; witness hearing cries and seeing abduction; threatening messages received by victim prior to crime.
Which clues helped connect the case?
Security camera images; witness testimonies identifying suspect; discovery of victim's belongings near residence; suspect's change of routine and sale of motorcycle.
Which evidence types appeared strongest?
Video surveillance; witness statements; forensic examination of victim's body; seizure of motorcycle linked to suspect.
Witness / Eyewitness Statements
Neighbors reported hearing a woman crying and saw a man on a motorcycle abducting her. Witnesses identified suspect by clothing and behavior. Wife of suspect gave conflicting accounts. Coworker reported victim received threatening messages.
How did follow-up reports change the understanding?
Initial investigation lacked suspects; later identification and arrest of Eliseu. Defense challenged evidence validity, but court upheld conviction. Motive clarified as femicide with possible lesbophobia. Appeal filed but pending.
What remained unclear?
Exact motive remains partially unclear; involvement of others not ruled out; some defense claims about evidence remain contested.