Brazilian influencer Ulissias Marcelli found shot dead with boyfriend
Police are investigating after Ulissias Marcelli and Vinícius Souza de Carvalho were discovered by a rural worker near Porto Seguro.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
2 min read
Brazilian influencer Ulissias Marcelli and her boyfriend, Vinícius Souza de Carvalho, were found shot dead on Saturday along a rural roadside near Porto Seguro, TMZ reported.
According to the outlet, a rural worker came across the bodies and contacted police. Local law enforcement suspects the couple may have been held captive before they were killed, though investigators have not publicly established the full sequence of events.
Authorities are also examining whether the deaths could be tied to alleged drug trafficking or narcotics sales in the region, TMZ reported, citing local law enforcement. No arrests have been announced.
Investigation centers on possible abduction
Investigators believe Marcelli and Souza de Carvalho may have been abducted before the fatal shooting, according to TMZ. Officials have not announced a suspect or said whether they have identified a motive.
The case remains under investigation. Police have not released further details about where the couple had been before they were found, how long they may have been missing, or what evidence led investigators to consider a possible captivity scenario.
Marcelli was 30. Souza de Carvalho was 28.
Festival pays tribute
Marcelli had been due to host the Rock Gaya Festival on July 25. The festival confirmed her death in an Instagram tribute, saying its team’s hearts had grown heavier and that organizers were still trying to find words for the loss.
In the post, Festival Rock Gaya said it had recently shared the news that Marcelli would be one of its presenters, and that it was hard to believe someone who was preparing to take part in such a meaningful moment was suddenly gone.
The festival said its team stood in solidarity with Marcelli’s family, friends and others who knew her.
Marcelli was known online for a gothic style, detailed costumes and choreographed performances involving fire, according to TMZ. Photos posted to her Instagram account showed the aesthetic that had become part of her public image.
She is survived by her 13-year-old son, TMZ reported.
No arrests announced
Brazilian authorities have not announced any arrests in connection with the deaths. TMZ reported that investigators are continuing to look into the circumstances around the shooting, including whether regional narcotics activity may be connected.
No public statement from Marcelli’s family or Souza de Carvalho’s family was included in the reporting. The festival’s tribute remains the main public acknowledgment from an organization tied to Marcelli’s upcoming work.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.