Barber and couple shot dead in broad daylight in Lisbon
The main suspect is a 33-year-old man, who has a record for minor crimes, suffers from schizophrenia and was being monitored at the Júlio de Matos psychiatric hospital in Lisbon.
What?
On Wednesday, three people were brutally shot dead in a barbershop in broad daylight in the Penha de França area of Lisbon.
The suspects then fled the scene on foot and remain at large, police said.
The victims include the owner of the establishment and two customers: Bruno, a 30-year-old taxi driver, and Fernanda, his partner, who was pregnant.
The case has garnered widespread attention, leaving local residents in shock, as authorities continue to search for the suspects, who remain at large.
The crime scene
The attack took place early in the afternoon, around 1:25 PM, at the “Granda Pente” barbershop on Henrique Barrilaro Ruas Street in Penha de França district.
According to preliminary reports, the suspect reportedly entered the barbershop intending to get a haircut but, for reasons not yet fully clarified, the barbershop owner, Carlos Pina, 43, refused to serve him.
It was at that moment that the attacker, who was being monitored by the Júlio de Matos psychiatric hospital due to his diagnosis of schizophrenia, pulled out a gun and shot at the barber, killing him inside the establishment.
After the first shot, the murderer left the barbershop and, at the door, shot a couple who were there, unrelated to the barber or himself.
The victims, Bruno Neto and Fernanda Júlia, both around 30 years old, were shot at close range, with at least two of the shots hitting them in the head.
They all died at the scene and there was no possibility of help.
The attacker fled the scene in a green Land Rover jeep, accompanied by two family members who were not involved in the triple murder.
In the middle of the afternoon, members of the Judicial Police (PJ), with the support of a strong contingent from the PSP, went to the suspect's family home, located a few metres from the barbershop, but the man was not found.
Suspect on the run
Witnesses indicated that the men headed towards Santa Apolónia station, one of the city’s busiest transport hubs, facilitating their escape.
The Public Security Police (PSP) were immediately called to the scene, but the suspects have not yet been caught. Due to the severity of the crime, the investigation has been handed over to the Judicial Police (PJ).
The crime was particularly shocking due to its violent and rapid nature. Reports confirm that two of the victims were shot in the head, and witnesses described the incident as premeditated and cold.
The execution-style shooting has raised concerns about safety in the area, where the attack took place.
Both the PSP and PJ are actively conducting searches in various nearby locations, and the investigation is ongoing to determine the exact motive behind the brutal killings.
Disturbances during the night
On Wednesday night, two vehicles were torched in the Bairro do Vale neighbourhood, where it all happened.
It later emerged that the vehicles belong to the suspect, who’s on the run with his father and brother.
"The execution-style shooting has raised concerns about safety in the area, especially in busy districts like Santa Apolónia, where the attack took place"
The article has conflicting information. As I understand, the attack took place in Penha de França, not Santa Apolonia. The suspects fled to Santa Apolonia station.
Interesting to note the shooter was being monitored by mental health professionals. I wonder if they knew he had access to a gun. This incident feels like an anomaly. Very sad.
It's a sad situation. It would be helpful to have a picture of the suspect so everyone can be on alert.