A 21-year-old social media influencer has been shot dead in Brazil, three years after her partner was murdered in a similar attack. Francisca Roberta de Jesus Silva, known online as Robertinha, was killed on May 15 in the Mutirão neighbourhood of Coelho Neto, Maranhão state. According to the Civil Police, two suspects on a motorbike fired shots before fleeing the scene.
Details of the Incident
Francisca had returned to Maranhão just one day before her death, having lived in Mato Grosso state. She was accompanied by her sister and a friend when she arrived in Coelho Neto on May 13. The attack occurred in the street, and security camera footage is being analysed to aid the investigation.
Previous Attack and Partner's Death
In February 2023, Francisca and her partner, Fernando Rocha Alves, were ambushed by armed men. Fernando was killed, and Francisca was shot twice in the right leg but survived. After the attack, she relocated to Nova Mutum in Mato Grosso. Police are now investigating whether the two murders are connected.
Social Media Presence
Francisca had 12,900 followers on one of her social media accounts, where she posted comedy sketches, daily life snippets, and photos with her mother. Her death has shocked the local community.
Broader Context of Violence in Brazil
Brazil recorded 34,086 homicides in 2025, a decrease from 38,374 in 2024, according to the Ministry of Justice and Public Security. The national homicide rate stood at 16 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. This marks the fifth consecutive year of declining murder rates in the country.
