The remains of Barbara Jankavski Marquez, an influencer known as 'Human Barbie', have been exhumed in Brazil amid suspicions that she was strangled to death. Prosecutors ordered the exhumation on February 3, just days after her burial, following challenges to a report that her death was caused by a cocaine-induced heart attack.
Authorities revealed they are investigating whether the 31-year-old could have been strangled, citing injuries on her neck consistent with mechanical asphyxiation. Police found her dead in her underwear on November 2 at the home of lawyer Renato De Vitto in São Paulo, who admitted hiring her for sexual services. Two friends were also present at the time.
Initial investigations ruled her death accidental, but prosecutors now want X-rays of her neck to check for broken bones and DNA testing under her nails to see if she tried to defend herself. The lawyer claims they both used cocaine and that she fell asleep and never woke up, despite his attempts at CPR.
Barbara's family believes she was killed, not died of a heart attack. The case has been transferred to the Department of Homicide and Protection of the People (DHPP) for further investigation. A final report is expected by early March, though decomposition may complicate the probe.
Barbara, who called herself the 'Inhuman Doll', had hundreds of thousands of online followers and underwent at least 27 cosmetic procedures costing over £40,000, including multiple nose jobs and liposuction. She also appeared on television and starred in a Burger King ad campaign in 2024.
