A 21-year-old social media influencer known as Robertinha, whose real name is Francisca Roberta de Jesus Silva, was fatally shot in the northeastern state of Maranhao, Brazil. The incident occurred in Coelho Neto on May 15 when two individuals on a motorcycle opened fire on her, causing fatal injuries to her head, back, and legs as she attempted to escape.

Tragically, this marks the second violent death in Francisca’s life, as her partner, Fernando Rocha Alves, was previously murdered in an ambush back in February 2023. During that attack, Francisca was also wounded but managed to survive. Following the earlier incident, she had moved to another state before returning to Coelho Neto just days before her own death.

Authorities, led by the Civil Police and the Coelho Neto Police Station, are actively investigating the case. Speculation surrounds a potential connection between her murder and gang violence or the previous killing of her partner, Fernando. As of now, no suspects have been apprehended in connection with the crime.

Francisca, who saw a surge in her social media following following news of her demise, had a significant online presence with around 12,900 followers. Her content often featured humor, glimpses into her daily life, and posts involving her mother.

In 2025, Brazil experienced a national homicide rate of 16 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, a decrease from previous years. Data from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security revealed a total of 34,086 homicides in the country that year, reflecting a downward trend for the fifth consecutive year in recorded murders.