The Boca do Povo was regarded as a controversial newspaper, described by many as sensationalist. It has been in existence for six years. Benedito de Paula Filho, 52, another of the paper’s owners, said that Oliveira was more involved on the business side but wrote a column titled “Chicotadas” (Whiplashes) in which he joked about events in general. Paula Filho was not aware of Oliveira having received any death threat, although he acknowledged that the paper used to publish serious allegations. Oliveira was facing a number of press-related court actions.
Police has named two men suspected of having carried out the killing – Maurício Rodrigues de Almeida and Antônio Carlos do Nascimento, the latter a retired police officer. Both are being held in custody. The Homicide Division is continuing investigations. There is the unconfirmed possibility that the murder might be related to Oliveira’s work.