21-Year-Old Woman Found Dead in Lajeado Apartment, Ex-Partner Suspected of Femicide

Police in Lajeado, Rio Grande do Sul, are investigating the death of 21-year-old Denise Silva de Medeiros, found deceased in her apartment, as a femicide. The primary suspect is her ex-partner, with whom she had a five-year relationship that ended six months prior. Delegate Márcia Bernini stated there is no doubt about the perpetrator and confirmed the crime is being treated as femicide. According to police, the relationship was turbulent, and witnesses reported the suspect exerted control over Ms. Medeiros. Denise had recently moved to Lajeado from her hometown of Estrela to escape her ex-boyfriend, a fact confirmed by her family. Relatives indicated that she had experienced conflicts with the suspect. No active protective measures were in place for Denise, nor were there recent police reports involving the couple. The family was alerted to the situation and discovered her body. Forensic examination is underway to determine the exact cause of death, though initial findings at the apartment indicated signs of gunshot wounds. If confirmed as femicide, this would be the 42nd such case in the state this year. The suspect's name has not been released, and he had not been apprehended as of the latest report.