Emiliane Tamara Nunes Carvalho, 24, was found by police chained by her neck in a property in Águas Lindas de Goiás, Brazil, after allegedly being held hostage for five days by her ex-boyfriend. Officers forced their way into the home after she was reported missing.
Discovery and Rescue
Carvalho was reported missing on August 17 after her family said she failed to return from a doctor's appointment. Police found the woman tied up with ropes and handcuffs, and the force said she struggled to breathe when she was found.
Videos shared by the force show the discovery of the woman after they forcefully cut their way into the home. Police are then shown making their way to a room at the back of the property and kicking down the door. Inside, the woman can be seen shaking as she is tied to a mattress with several ropes and chains. In the footage, she also appears to have a mask and a gag attached to her face.
Suspect's Arrest and Seized Items
Ailton Rodrigues de Souza was arrested on the day Emiliane was found. The suspect reportedly staged his own disappearance to divert attention, according to police. The force claims that he kidnapped Emiliane and held her captive after she broke up with him.
Souza's own family reported him as missing too, which made the police's suspicions grow. After raiding the run-down home where Emiliane was found, officers seized a 9mm pistol, sedatives, and items used to restrain the alleged victim.
Victim's Recovery
Emiliane was taken to hospital and posted on social media on Saturday that she was released but is still recovering from her injuries. She claimed that she is still under medication and that her wounds had affected her ability to see. She also alleged she had been assaulted while inside the property and her ex-partner used burning cloths to torch her skin.
The investigation continues.
