A small town in Brazil faced fear for three weeks while authorities pursued one of the most sought-after criminals in South America, Lázaro Barbosa. The series of events began on June 9, 2021, when Barbosa reportedly entered the residence of Cláudio Vidal and his family in Ceilândia, a wealthy suburb near Brazil’s capital, Brasília. Prosecutors described the incident as a quick and brutal attack, resulting in the deaths of Cláudio and his two sons, aged 15 and 21.
Cleonice Marques, the mother, was abducted and held captive but was later found deceased in a nearby creek. The murders were thought to be linked to a failed robbery, although the exact motive was overshadowed by the violent nature of the crimes.
Local residents were deeply affected by the events. Mathias Folha, a resident of Cocalzinho de Goiás, an area where the fugitive was spotted, shared his distress with the media, emphasizing the town’s profound unease and his own need to vacate his residence.
The search for Barbosa involved over 200 police officers who utilized helicopters, tracker dogs, and a coordinated effort between federal and local law enforcement agencies. Described as “ferocious, aggressive, and relentless” by authorities, Barbosa’s movements were extensively covered by the media, escalating fear among rural Goiás communities. He continued to evade capture by breaking into properties, taking hostages, and stealing weapons and vehicles.
Barbosa’s knowledge of the rural terrain enabled him to escape into dense vegetation after each encounter with law enforcement. Despite numerous sightings and reports of criminal activities, he managed to evade capture for almost three weeks.
The intense manhunt involved a large-scale operation with over 270 officers from various law enforcement agencies, including the Brazilian Army providing communication support for coordination efforts. Thousands of tips poured in from locals, and social media was flooded with reported sightings of the suspect.
The situation reached a climax on the evening of June 28 when Barbosa was spotted near a stream by residents of a town west of Brasília. A massive police operation was swiftly launched, leading to a confrontation where Barbosa opened fire on approaching officers. In the exchange of gunfire, he was shot and succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital, bringing an end to the 20-day manhunt that had gripped central Brazil.
State Governor Ronaldo Caiado praised the security forces for their efforts, highlighting the successful operation that restored a sense of pride among the people of Goiás.