A man, aged 40, has been apprehended by the Azores Department of Criminal Investigation, under strong suspicion of committing a homicide in Angra do Heroísmo between January 31 and February 3 of this year, according to a statement from the Judiciary Police (PJ).
“The investigation began on February 3, after a neighbor discovered the victim inside their residence, with hands tied, eyes blindfolded, and mouth gagged,” the statement added.
During the investigation, biological evidence was collected at the crime scene, and forensic analyses by the Scientific Police Laboratory identified a DNA profile different from that of the victim, explained the spokesperson.
The PJ further indicated that “a comparative collection of biological samples” enabled them to “establish a match with the suspect, who resides in the same city.”
“Given the high probative value of the DNA tests,” the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Department of Investigation and Penal Action (DIAP) of the Azores issued warrants allowing for the suspect’s arrest, who has been remanded in custody, it stated.
The investigative measures are ongoing, “aiming for a comprehensive clarification of the facts and the determination of the underlying motive for the crime,” the statement concluded.
