Father and son are suspected of killing a young man believing he was 'canaimé', an evil figure in indigenous belief

Understand: in indigenous belief, the canaimé is seen as an evil being, a figure associated with supernatural powers and the practice of spells, prayers and poisons that can cause suffering or death. According to belief, he can turn invisible or transform into animals to chase and attack people, usually at night. Furthermore, when it kills someone, the canaimé tears and stuffs leaves inside the victim's body.

José was murdered by shooting, stabbing and decapitated. The police seized a shotgun and a scythe from the suspects' home, and a knife at the scene of the crime. Furthermore, the suspects set fire to the victim's body.

The police went to the community after receiving a report of the murder. At the scene, agents were guided by residents to the victim's body. After confirming the death, the team isolated the area and began searching to locate the suspects.

According to the PM, the version presented by the suspects was reinforced by videos recorded by themselves. The images were shared in WhatsApp groups. In one of the videos, José appears confirming that he is the canaimé and says he has the "ability to transform into animals."

The Pacaraima Civil Police were notified about the case around 8pm on Tuesday. Criminal forensics and the Legal Medical Institute (IML) were called and arrived in the community at around 2:55 pm this Wednesday (4). The case was registered as qualified homicide for futile reasons.