In a deeply disturbing and tragic incident that has shocked the nation, a man was brutally killed by an enraged mob outside a police station in the town of Jutaí, Brazil.
The violence erupted after the suspect, Gregorio da Silva, reportedly confessed to the sexual assault and murder of a one-year-old girl named Laylla de Assis. According to authorities, da Silva admitted to abducting the child, committing the assault, and then disposing of her body in a nearby river.
News of his confession spread rapidly through the community, igniting a wave of grief, anger, and disbelief. Residents, overwhelmed by the horror of the crime and the vulnerability of the victim, gathered in large numbers demanding immediate justice.
The situation quickly escalated into chaos as emotions boiled over, culminating in a violent and deadly confrontation that left da Silva dead and the town reeling from the aftermath.
Community Outrage Leads to Police Station Break-In
Following da Silva’s reported confession, a large crowd gathered outside the local police station demanding swift justice. Tensions escalated rapidly, and when officers were unable to contain the situation, dozens of people forced their way into the building.
Da Silva, who was being held in custody, was forcibly removed by the crowd. Authorities say he confessed to abducting Laylla de Assis from a boat where her mother had left her sleeping, then sexually assaulting and killing her before disposing of her body in a nearby river.
Officials confirmed:
“He told police he sexually abused her before dumping her body in the river.”
Laylla’s mother, devastated by the tragedy, was seen in a video expressing her anguish:
“Why didn’t you do it to me, Lord? I deserve it.”
Suspect Killed by Mob Outside Police Station
After dragging da Silva out of the station, the crowd reportedly beat him with stones and bottles. In graphic footage shared online, one individual poured a flammable substance on him and set him on fire. Others in the crowd appeared to cheer, while another person struck him with a wooden plank.
Despite the presence of law enforcement, officers were unable to prevent the attack. The suspect died at the scene.
Investigation Ongoing Amid Public Tension
Authorities in Jutaí are continuing to investigate both the murder of Laylla de Assis and the subsequent mob killing of Gregorio da Silva. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the lynching, and the child’s body has not yet been recovered.
Da Silva, a local popsicle vendor, reportedly turned himself in under pressure from the community. Surveillance footage had identified him as a suspect prior to his confession.