The Kidnapping and Murder of Eloá Pimentel

On October 13, 2008, 22-year-old Lindemberg Alves broke into the apartment of his ex-girlfriend, 15-year-old Eloá Pimentel, in Santo André, in the state of São Paulo. He held Eloá and her friend Nayara Rodrigues hostage for more than 100 hours, the longest hostage standoff on record in the state.

A standoff broadcast live

The siege was covered extensively by Brazilian television, with journalists calling into the apartment during the standoff. Police negotiators worked to secure the hostages' release over several days.

How it ended

When police moved in, Alves shot both hostages as he was leaving the building using Eloá as a shield. Nayara Rodrigues survived; Eloá Pimentel died from her injuries shortly after.

Sentence and current status

Alves was convicted on twelve counts, including murder, attempted murder, and false imprisonment. His original sentence of nearly 99 years was reduced to 39 years and 3 months on appeal. He is currently serving his sentence in semi-open custody at a facility in Tremembé, São Paulo, and has been denied requests for further sentence reductions.