The RJ Civil Police have already identified one of the men who participated in the robbery of archaeologist and retired teacher Tania Andrade Lima, 80 years old. The elderly woman had just withdrawn money from the bank when she was approached by a criminal on Rua General Venâncio Flores, in Leblon, South Zone of Rio. Tânia reacted and was shot 3 times.
She was the Rio archaeologist responsible for the discovery of Valongo Wharf, in 2011, during Rio City Hall's works to revitalize the Port Zone.
According to investigators, the criminal is part of a group specialized in robberies that operated in the city center region. The agents also already have the characteristics of the second robber directly involved in the crime. They are being sought.
According to her nephew Antonio Rocha, Tania had withdrawn a “considerable amount”. He suspects that his aunt was followed and was the victim of a “bank robbery”.
“Probably, someone tipped her off that she withdrew a considerable amount, and then they followed her and took the bag,” said Antonio. The withdrawal amount was not disclosed.
Security camera footage recorded the approach around 2pm. The archaeologist was walking calmly along the sidewalk when a man in a black cap ran to catch up with her.
The criminal pulled the archaeologist's bag and arm, knocking her down. He then dragged the victim along the sidewalk. When three men appeared, the robber fled on the back of a motorcycle that was waiting for him on the street.
According to Antonio, the aunt was approached when she was heading to her car after leaving the bank.
"She came out of the bank, withdrew some money. And then, as she went to her car, the boy grabbed her from behind. He tried to snatch her purse. She held onto the purse. And then the guy shot her three times," he reported.
Tania was taken to the Miguel Couto Municipal Hospital, in Gávea. According to the unit's management, she was admitted with gunshot wounds to her neck and shoulder, considered non-serious, and to her hand, which required more care.
In the early evening, the archaeologist was transferred to another hospital, accompanied by her nephew. According to Antonio, a projectile was lodged in the neck, close to the spine, and could be removed.
Escape through Rebouças
After the robbery, a car entered the wrong lane behind the criminals. Other cameras recorded the fleeing motorcycle, accompanied by the car. One of the recordings shows an object falling from the motorcycle.
The Military Police set up barriers at the entrance and exit of the Rebouças Tunnel, but the assailants managed to escape. At the exit of the tunnel, at Elevado Paulo de Frontin, they hit a car, stole another motorcycle and continued their escape.
Police recovered the motorcycle used in the robbery and two cell phones.
Investigation
The case was registered at the Leblon Police Station (14th DP). Investigators carried out an examination of the crime scene and the abandoned motorcycle and are looking for fingerprints that will help identify those involved.
Images from security cameras are also being analyzed to reconstruct the criminals' path before the approach.
Successful career
Rio archaeologist Tania Andrade Lima — Photo: Personal collection
With an academic career focused on Archaeology, Tania is a senior researcher at CNPq and a retired professor from the Department of Anthropology at the National Museum of UFRJ.
At the institution, she founded and coordinated the Postgraduate Program in Archeology. In 2023, she was the second Brazilian woman to receive the Hypatia Award.
The archaeologist has also received the Commendation of the Order of Cultural Merit, in 2006, and the Globo “Faz Diferença” Award, in the “Rio” category, in 2016.
National Museum provides solidarity
The National Museum/UFRJ sent a note of solidarity to the retired teacher.
"We highlight, in this moment of extreme concern, Professor Tania's dedication throughout decades of services provided to the institution. We also regret that this terrible episode occurred precisely on Teachers' Day, dedicated to the appreciation of these professionals who are so special and essential in our society, like Tania Andrade Lima. Occurrences like this lead us to reflect on the growing worsening of the violence scenario in our city. We express our solidarity with the teacher's family, friends and colleagues, whom we wish promptly and fully recovery.”
Assault in Leblon — Photo: Reproduction/TV Globo
