Maria Katiane Gomes da Silva, a 25-year-old Brazilian influencer, died on Nov. 29 after falling from the 10th floor of her São Paulo apartment building. Her husband, 40-year-old Alex Leandro Bispo dos Santos, was arrested on Dec. 9 under a temporary detention order as police investigate the incident as a potential femicide. Authorities say security-camera footage allegedly shows Santos assaulting Silva and contradicts his initial claim that she took her own life. Silva was buried in Ceará on Dec. 1 and had more than 6,000 Instagram followers.
Brazilian Influencer, 25, Falls From 10th Floor; Husband Arrested Amid Suspected Femicide
Maria Katiane Gomes da Silva/InstagramMaria Katiane Gomes da Silva
Maria Katiane Gomes da Silva, a 25-year-old Brazilian content creator, died on Nov. 29 after falling from the 10th floor of the apartment building where she lived in São Paulo. Authorities have arrested her husband, 40-year-old businessman Alex Leandro Bispo dos Santos, as investigators probe the incident as a possible femicide.
What Happened
Neighbors reported hearing screams and a loud noise on the night of Nov. 29 and contacted the Military Police and emergency services, according to local outlets g1 and O Globo. Officers found Santos at the scene holding Silva's body; he initially told police she had committed suicide after an argument.
Maria Katiane Gomes da Silva/InstagramMaria Katiane Gomes da Silva
Evidence and Investigation
Investigators with the Homicide and Personal Protection Department reviewed security-camera footage from inside the couple's apartment and the building that, authorities say, contradicts Santos's account. Local reports indicate video appears to show Santos assaulting Silva in the parking area and then arguing with her inside an elevator. The footage reportedly captures a moment when Santos reaches toward Silva's neck and pulls her from the elevator before returning to sit with his head in his hands.
Authorities say Santos was arrested on Dec. 9 under a temporary detention order while the case is examined as a potential femicide. An attorney for Santos did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Aftermath and Personal Background
On Dec. 1 — in the days after her death but before Santos's arrest — Santos attended Silva's wake and burial in Ceará; photos and videos circulating online show him embracing her coffin. Silva maintained an Instagram account with more than 6,000 followers, where she posted lifestyle and makeup content. Her last apparent Instagram update was on Nov. 8, a video of her preparing an energy drink.
Maria Katiane Gomes da Silva/InstagramMaria Katiane Gomes da Silva
According to g1, Silva was born in a rural district of Crateús and worked in a restaurant and supermarket before moving to São Paulo, where she met and married Santos.
Ongoing Case
The investigation remains active. Authorities have described the death as suspicious and continue to analyze evidence and footage to determine the full circumstances surrounding Silva's death. Local news outlets g1 and O Globo and international outlets including People have reported on the developments.
