MMA fighter arrested on suspicion of killing trans influencer in Brazil

By Fábyo Cruz – From Cenarium

BELÉM (PA) – MMA fighter Yago Roger Barreira da Costa, 28 years old, has been arrested on suspicion of killing trans blogger Paola Brattcho, 31 years old. She was murdered in a motel in the Águas Lindas neighbourhood, in Ananindeua, in the Metropolitan Region of Belém (RMB), after an argument with the fighter. The crime has sparked discussions about violence against the trans population in Pará and Brazil.

Witnesses stated that during the fight, Paola was stabbed by the suspect. Before dying, she cried out for help, warning that Yago was trying to kill her, according to those present. After the crime, the suspect even sought help at the motel reception but fled the scene after being injured in the struggle. Yago then escaped from two hospitals and the house where he lived and was eventually captured in a residence belonging to his uncle, also in Ananindeua.

“After identifying that the suspect was on the run, our teams from the Femicide Police Station and the Police Intelligence Unit began continuous efforts to locate and arrest the man while still in flagrante delicto, which resulted in Yago’s effective arrest,” explained Walter Resende, chief delegate of the Civil Police.

The crime has highlighted the severity of the violence faced by the trans population. Pará is one of the most dangerous states for trans people in Brazil, with 46 homicides recorded between 2017 and 2024, according to data from the National Association of Travestis and Transsexuals (Antra). In 2024 alone, five deaths were recorded, and the Northern Region, where Pará is located, totalled ten murders, representing 8% of the national total.

Although Brazil has seen a 16% reduction in trans people’s deaths in 2024, the country continues to lead the global ranking of murders of this population for the 16th consecutive year. Most victims are young, black, poor, and from the Northeast, with a low life expectancy of just 35 years. Paola Brattcho, who stood out as an influencer on social media, is yet another victim of this statistic.

Investigations into the murder are ongoing, with the Pará Civil Police working to uncover all details of the case. Delegate Gabriela Andrade, from the Femicide Police Station (Defem), emphasised the joint efforts of the teams in tackling femicide crimes and highlighted the importance of continuing the investigations to ensure justice.

“This action results from the commitment of Defem and the Pará State Civil Police in tackling crime and combating femicide, reinforcing the seriousness and dedication of the operations carried out by our police teams,” she stated.

(*) With information from the Pará Civil Police
Translated from Portuguese by Gustô Alves