A Muay Thai fighter was shot dead in an apparent case of mistaken identity after allegedly being confused with a man wearing the same colour T-shirt. Cristiano Gonçalves Figueira, 31, was at a bar in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday when a gunman arrived.
The attacker reportedly walked towards Cristiano and shot him several times at close range before firing another shot into the air and fleeing. Cristiano, who leaves behind a seven-year-old daughter, was hit at least three times, according to reports. Friends rushed the athlete to a nearby hospital but he died from his injuries.
Witnesses report gunman's motive
Witnesses reportedly claimed the gunman had been searching for a man who had assaulted his son. He had allegedly been told the person responsible was wearing a green T-shirt. Cristiano was also wearing green at the time.
Police are still searching for the suspect and no arrests have been made.
Wife's emotional tribute
Cristiano's wife, fellow athlete Beatriz Gomes, paid an emotional tribute to her husband. She wrote: "You inspired me and encouraged me to grow in the sport. You always believed in me, praised my potential and made me believe I could achieve so much more. You were a wonderful father, an excellent professional, a devoted husband and, above all, my best friend."
Cristiano taught classes as part of a social project and friends said he had helped transform people's lives. His funeral was held on Monday (28 September).
Wife's promise and brother's call for justice
Beatriz vowed to continue pursuing the sporting success her husband had encouraged her to achieve. She added: "I'll keep the promise I made to you. I'll become the great champion you always believed I could be. Every achievement will have a little piece of you in it, because you helped shape the person and athlete I've become."
Cristiano's brother Vitor called for the killer to be brought to justice. He said: "The person who did this must pay for what they've done. I hope they receive the maximum possible sentence."
