Bruna Oliveira da Silva, a 28-year-old master's student at the University of São Paulo (USP), was found dead in a parking lot in the east zone of São Paulo on April 17, 2025, after being missing for five days. Her disappearance and subsequent death have sparked outrage and demands for justice from her peers and the public.
Bruna was last seen alive on April 13, 2025, after leaving her boyfriend's house in Butantã, a neighborhood in the west zone of the city. She took the subway to the Corinthians-Itaquera station, where she informed her mother via phone call that she had missed the bus home. In a bid to help, her mother transferred money to Bruna so she could call an app-based car service for a ride home. However, despite confirming she was on her way, Bruna never arrived.
Her body was discovered in the back of a parking lot on Avenida Miguel Ignácio Curi, near the Itaquera Technology College (Fatec). According to reports, the police obtained security camera footage showing Bruna leaving the Itaquera Terminal around 10 PM on the night of her disappearance. She had stopped at a newsstand to charge her phone and was last seen active on WhatsApp at 10:21 PM. After that, her phone battery died, and she was unreachable.
The police are treating Bruna's death as suspicious and have registered it at the 24th Police District. They noted that her body exhibited clear signs of violence, leading investigators to suspect homicide. The Department of Homicides and Protection of the Person (DHPP) has since identified a suspect in the case, whose identity has not been disclosed to the public. As of April 22, 2025, the suspect is being actively pursued by law enforcement.
Bruna's tragic story has resonated deeply within the community, prompting students at USP Leste to organize a symbolic protest demanding justice and accountability in the investigation. The protest is scheduled for April 24, 2025, and aims to highlight broader issues of violence against women. The students have expressed concerns that the police did not collect sufficient evidence at the crime scene, which could hinder the investigation.
Bruna was not only a student but also a mother to a seven-year-old boy. She was pursuing a master's degree in Social Change and Political Participation, having previously graduated in Tourism from the same institution. Her family and friends have described her as a dedicated individual who was passionate about her studies and committed to her son.
In the wake of her death, her mother, Simone Silva, expressed her heartbreak, stating, "I have no doubt that she died fighting, because she often said, 'Mom, no one lays a hand on me.'" This sentiment underscores the fear many women face regarding violence and the ongoing struggle for safety and justice.
As the investigation continues, the community remains vigilant, calling for transparency and thoroughness in the police's handling of the case. The police have acknowledged the public's concerns and stated that they are working diligently to gather more evidence, including reviewing additional security camera footage and interviewing witnesses.
Bruna's death is a stark reminder of the violence that women often face, and her case has sparked conversations about the need for systemic changes to better protect women in society. Activists and community members are demanding more effective measures to ensure women's safety and to address the underlying issues that contribute to gender-based violence.
The funeral for Bruna Oliveira da Silva took place on April 19, 2025, at the Vila Carmosina Cemetery. As her family mourns the loss of a beloved daughter and mother, the calls for justice grow louder, echoing the sentiments of many who believe that no woman should have to live in fear.
In the coming days, as the investigation unfolds, the community will be watching closely to see if justice is served for Bruna and if necessary changes will be made to protect others from similar fates.
