The trial of Vagner Dias de Oliveira, charged with the murder of nursing student Raphaela Salsa Ferreira Dias de Oliveira, commenced on Wednesday at the Rio de Janeiro Jury Court. Raphaela, 38, was discovered burned after disappearing in Rio’s West Zone in 2023. Her ex-husband, Vagner, was apprehended within the same week.
The autopsy report revealed that Raphaela was burned alive, with soot found in her mouth, suggesting she died from smoke inhalation before her body was set ablaze. The report concluded that her death was due to smoke intoxication and thermal asphyxiation while she was still alive.
Raphaela’s family reported her fear of Vagner, with whom she had a 14-year relationship and two children. Witnesses, including her daughter and current partner, testified about Vagner’s jealousy and inability to accept their separation, which had occurred three months prior. They expressed concerns that Vagner might react violently if he discovered Raphaela’s new relationship.
Investigations suggest that Vagner intercepted Raphaela as she returned home from a class. Evidence indicates that Vagner purchased gasoline at a station while Raphaela was unconscious in a car. Her body, identified through dental records and tattoos, was found partially burned along the BR-101 highway, over 40 kilometers from her residence.
