Brazilian soccer star Bruno on trial for kidnapping, murdering former lover

RIO DE JANEIRO – The captain of the Flamengo soccer team that won the Brazilian championship in 2009 is facing trial on charges he kidnapped an ex-girlfriend and had her killed.

The case starting Monday involves goalkeeper Bruno Fernandes and has shocked Brazil and the world of soccer. Fernandes is accused of orchestrating the kidnapping of 25-year-old model Eliza Samudio.

Prosecutors say Samudio was lured to Minas Gerais state with a false promise that the player would assume the paternity of her baby. Investigators say Samudio was held captive in a ranch, killed, quartered and fed to dogs.

The player was already found guilty in Dec. 2010 on separate charges of kidnapping Samudio and trying to force her to abort the child. Samudio levied these accusations before she disappeared in June 2010.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.