Brazilian goalkeeper charged with murdering ex

Bruno Souza, the Brazilian goalkeeper suspected of having his ex-girlfriend killed, was on Friday formally charged with her kidnap and murder, officials said.

The footballer, who played for Rio de Janeiro’s Flamengo team, was also charged with sequestration (hiding a body), forming a criminal gang and corrupting minors, according to reports in leading national news websites.

Even though the body of the alleged victim, 25-year-old Eliza Samudio, has not been found, police wrapping up their probe on Thursday determined that Souza masterminded her death.

Seven other people, including an ex-policeman suspected of carrying out the premeditated murder on Souza’s orders, have also been charged. Souza’s wife was among them.

Samudio disappeared last month after being taken to Souza’s second residence near the southern city of Belo Horizonte.

The woman, who had a four-month-old baby she claimed was fathered by Souza, was believed to have been demanding child support. The baby was found to be in the care of Souza’s wife.

Souza was suspended from Flamengo — Brazil’s most popular club, which he once captained — when the allegations against him first surfaced.

Photos of the goalkeeper published on Friday showed him with a shaved head. Reports said he had burned his hair to hinder a DNA examination.