LAGO SUL, BRASILIA, BRAZIL – DECEMBER 12, 2024 The dead body of 19-year-old Maria Claudia Siqueira Del’Isola was discovered in her parents’ home four days after she was reported missing. She was discovered by her own father, who smelled a strong odor from the area where the pool was used. Her naked body lay under a layer of dirt, her hands tied behind her back and a plastic bag over her head. The body showed signs of anal and vaginal sexual violence. Semen was found inside her vagina. There were also numerous stab wounds on her body.
Maria Claudia Siqueira Del’Isola
The police investigation found that the killers were two men, 30-year-old Bernardino do Espírito Santo and his 20-year-old girlfriend Adriana de Jesus dos Santos. The two, including their young daughter, lived in the same house because Adriana worked there as a maid. Maria’s parents were very rich and very generous to let them live there.
In her police statement, Adriana said that she was only obeying the orders of her boyfriend, who was eager to have sex with Maria. She allegedly only helped him tie Maria up and watched him stab and rape her.
Adriana de Jesus dos Santos
Bernardino testified that he knew Maria was going to school and decided to kill her. He counted on her family thinking she had disappeared on her way to school. He brought Maria into the kitchen, where Adriana struck her several times on the head. He said his girlfriend was intensely jealous of Maria and consented to her murder. When Maria was tied unconscious and gagged, Adriana allegedly ordered him to rape and murder her.
Bernardino do Espírito Santo
When her body was discovered, he stole approximately $1,800 from her parents and fled to El Salvador. He was arrested there on 20 December 2004. Adriana cooperated with the police during the search for Maria and even prayed with her parents for her to be found.
In 2007, Adriana was sentenced to 58 years in prison. Bernardino received a sentence of 65 years. But both appealed and their sentences were reduced to 38 years and 44 years.
The couple in court
