The husband of a social media influencer who died after a fall from a building is reportedly under arrest on suspicion of femicide.
Maria Katiane Gomes da Silva, a Brazilian content creator, tragically passed away after plummeting from the 10th floor of a high-rise apartment in São Paulo on November 29.
The 25-year-old was reportedly discovered deceased outside the building after neighbors alerted police following loud screams.
Local media has reported that her husband, businessman Alex Leandro Bispo dos Santos, is now in custody on a temporary warrant as authorities investigate the incident as a potential case of femicide.
Authorities suspect the 40-year-old of pushing Silva from their shared apartment.
According to O Globo, neighbors reportedly heard Silva’s screams and a loud noise, prompting them to contact police and emergency services.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers said they found Santos holding Silva’s body and claiming she had taken her own life following an argument.
The circumstances surrounding her death were deemed suspicious, leading the Homicide and Personal Protection Department to open an investigation.
Allegedly, footage from within the apartment and building contradicts Santos’ account of events.
Security cameras reportedly captured Santos attacking Silva in a parking lot, as per reports.
In the apartment’s elevator, a physical altercation allegedly occurred, showing Santos trying to grab Silva by the neck before she was apparently pulled out.
Santos was later seen looking distressed, sitting with his hands on his head, according to PEOPLE.
Before his arrest, Santos reportedly attended Silva’s funeral in Ceará, Brazil, where witnesses said he embraced her coffin.
Silva had amassed over 6,000 followers on Instagram and 22,000 on TikTok, where she posted beauty tips as well as travel and lifestyle content.
Many fans and friends have left heartfelt messages in the comments section of her social media posts.
“She can no longer speak because her voice was silenced by a man who claimed to love her,” her aunt reportedly shared on social media, as cited by Brazilian outlet O Globo.
The family member also expressed ‘indignation,’ accusing Santos of being ‘possessive.’
“Today, as her aunt, my heart is heavy, filled with indignation and so is her mother and our entire family.
‘We demand justice for Katiane Gomes.'”
Born in the rural district of Crateús, in northeast Brazil, Silva grew up before working in a restaurant and supermarket. She later moved to São Paulo, where she is believed to have met and married Santos.
Brazilian investigators are now reviewing footage, phone records, and witness statements to determine if Silva’s fatal fall was accidental or the result of a conflict.
No charges have been filed yet, as the investigation is still active.