A Footballer's Fall From Grace: The Shocking Crimes of Flamengo's Star Goalkeeper Bruno Fernandes de Souza
Once a star goalkeeper with Brazil's premier football club Flamengo, Bruno Fernandes das Dores de Souza was convicted for his role in a ghastly crime that shocked the nation
Background
In July 2010, fans were stunned when Flamengo, Brazil’s most popular football club, suspended its talented and popular goalkeeper Bruno Fernandes das Dores de Souza, more commonly known as Bruno or Goliero Bruno (the Goalkeeper Bruno.)
Even more shocking was the reason for the suspension. Earlier that month, the football star had been arrested and charged with assault, torture, and murder related to the disappearance and death of his girlfriend, Eliza Samudio.
Yet as heartbreaking and grim as the details of Samudio’s abduction and murder were, she would unfortunately not receive justice due in part to Brazil’s notoriously slow legal process as well as their poor record of not treating violent crimes against women with the seriousness and urgency they deserve.
This is a story of failed justice; this is the story of Bruno.
