Former Cuban national Taekwondo team member, Miguel Ángel Aguiar Forten, was recently shot dead in Curitiba, located in southern Brazil, where he had been residing. The tragic event occurred in the early hours of July 27th in Jardim Ipê, São José dos Pinhais, part of the Greater Curitiba area, capital of Paraná state.
According to local media, an unidentified man was also killed alongside Aguiar Forten. The incident took place at approximately 1:45 a.m. on Laérte Fenelon street.
A Ruthless and Coordinated Attack
Initial investigations by the Paraná Military Police and the Civil Police (PCPR) suggest that the crime was carried out by individuals in a white car, which drove by twice before opening fire. Witnesses reported that the assailants fired upon the victims without uttering a word.
Miguel Ángel was shot in the head and died instantly at the scene. The other man attempted to flee into an empty lot but was pursued and shot twice in the head about 30 meters away. By the time emergency services arrived, both men had already succumbed to their injuries.
The attackers fled towards the BR-277 highway and remain at large. The motive behind this brutal act is still unknown, prompting authorities to explore various theories cautiously.
Encounter with Local Authorities Hours Before
An intriguing aspect of this case is that mere hours before the murders, Miguel and his companion had an encounter with the Municipal Guard. Police Chief Fábio Machado revealed to RICtv that the officers had suspected the men of stealing electrical cables, but this suspicion was not confirmed.
"We know the Municipal Guard approached these young men shortly before the incident. They were suspected of stealing electrical cables. The Guard identified them, found no evidence of theft, and let them go. Later, they were shot and killed," Machado stated.
This prior interaction has raised numerous questions: Were they followed after the police encounter? Were they under surveillance, or was their death a tragic coincidence? Investigators are currently reviewing security camera footage to piece together the victims' final movements and identify potential leads on the killers.
Migratory Context and Investigation Challenges
"One of the victims was unemployed and about to start a new job. Miguel, an immigrant in Brazil, was once part of the Cuban Taekwondo team," confirmed Chief Machado. "We understand the shooter arrived in the white car, approached, and shot one of them. The other attempted to escape but was chased and killed," he added.
Efforts are underway to gather more information about Miguel's migration journey. Authorities have contacted family members in Cuba and Miami, USA, to better understand the circumstances that led him to leave Cuba and settle in Brazil. The aim is to determine whether he might have been involved in any conflict or risky situations.
The investigation faces significant hurdles due to the lack of key eyewitnesses and the killers' escape. Chief Machado emphasized the necessity of interviewing more individuals to solidify any specific investigative paths.
No further details about the murder of the former Cuban athlete have been released at this time.
Key Questions Surrounding the Death of Miguel Ángel Aguiar Forten
What is known about the suspects in the murder of Miguel Ángel Aguiar Forten?
The suspects are reported to have been driving a white car and have not yet been apprehended. Authorities are actively searching for them, and various investigative theories are being considered.
Were there any witnesses to the crime?
Witnesses reported seeing the assailants fire upon the victims without warning. However, there is a lack of key eyewitnesses who could provide more detailed information.
What was Miguel Ángel Aguiar Forten's status in Brazil?
Miguel Ángel Aguiar Forten was an immigrant in Brazil and a former member of the Cuban Taekwondo team. He was residing in Curitiba at the time of his death.