Suspect Leads Police to Human Remains

Brazilian police say a suspect has confessed to burying the bodies of missing British journalist Dom Phillips and indigenous expert Bruno Pereira.

Detective Eduardo Fontes said “the man, Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira, took investigators to a site where human remains were dug up.”

He said police would work with Interpol to confirm the bodies’ identities.

In a statement, Mr. Phillips’ family said they were “heartbroken” and thanked those who searched for the men.

Mr. Phillips, 57, and Mr Pereira, 41, disappeared in a remote part of the Amazon rainforest that is rife with illegal poaching, mining and logging on 5 June.

Two suspects, brothers Amarildo and Oseney da Costa de Oliveira, have been arrested in connection with the case. It brings an end to a 10-day search that involved the army, navy and police.

Detective Fontes told journalists the “first suspect” – Amarildo – had “recounted in detail the crime that was committed and indicated the place where he buried the bodies.” His brother denies any involvement.

Police said “they expect to carry out further arrests, adding that the motive for the killings was under investigation.”

Detective Eduardo Fontes said the suspect “pointed out the place where he buried the bodies.”
Mr Phillips’ family said in a statement: “We are heartbroken at the confirmation that Dom and Bruno were murdered and extend our deepest sympathies to Alessandra, Beatriz and the other Brazilian family members of both men.”

“We are grateful to all those who have taken part in the search, especially the indigenous groups who worked tirelessly to find evidence of the attack,” it added.

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Univaja, the region’s indigenous association, was the first to alert authorities when the pair went missing.

The group expressed its “deep sadness” following the news conference.

It said of the men’s deaths: “Univaja understands their murder is a political crime, they were both human rights defenders and died doing work to look after us indigenous people from Vale do Javari.”

Mr. Phillips’ wife, Alessandra Sampaio, said: “Now we can bring them home and say goodbye with love.”

The confession also marked the beginning of a “quest for justice,” she said.

BBC /Shakirat Sadiq