Goalkeeper jailed after feeding ex-lover to dogs

Former goalkeeper Bruno, once tipped for a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad, has been sentenced to 22 years and three months in prison for the murder of his ex-lover.

Reports said her body was cut up and fed to dogs after he killed her to avoid paying child maintenance.

He had denied fathering her child and disputed child maintenance but DNA tests showed the baby was his.

The jury’s verdict on the death of victim Eliza Samudio was read out by Judge Marixa Fabiane Lopes Rodrigues at Brazil’s Contagem Court of Justice.

“The conduct of the crime of murder has sordid details and demonstration of absolute ruthlessness,” the judge said in her verdict.

“The defendant Bruno Fernandes believed that by having the body consumed, impunity would be granted.

“Your personality is distorted and evades the minimum standards of normalcy,” she said.

“The guilt from these crimes is intense and highly reprehensible.

“The execution of the murder was meticulously calculated.”

“The victim left a child of only four months orphaned,” she added.

The 28-year-old Bruno, who played for Brazilian first division sides Atletico Mineiro and Flamengo, has been in custody since Jul 2010. His contract with Flamengo was suspended when the murder came to light.

Fernandes bowed his head in the dock on hearing the verdict but did not cry, according to reports.

His lawyer said he would be appealing.

As well as hiding the body, he was also found guilty of kidnapping the son he had with Eliza. But his former wife Dayanne Rodrigues was absolved from the charge as it was considered she was put under pressure.

Prosecutor Henry Vasconcelos said the murder in Jun 2010 was carried out by another man known as ‘Bola’ with help from Bruno’s close friend Macarrao, who was sentenced to 15 years.

Bola’s trial is set for Apr 22.