A Chinese man in Brazil has been sentenced to 38 years in prison after murdering an 18-year-old woman who reportedly rejected his romantic advances. Her remains were later discovered wrapped in a tarpaulin and partially eaten by two pit bulls.
The accused, identified as Qiu Zhaohu, also known as Xau, was found guilty of femicide and concealing the victim’s body. He reportedly admitted to strangling the young woman during police questioning.
The disturbing case took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and shocked the local community because the accused and victim had reportedly known each other for years.
Man Had Known Victim and Her Family for Years
The victim, identified as Marcelle Júlia Araújo da Silva, was reportedly acquainted with Qiu for at least a decade.
Qiu operated a food stall selling yakisoba noodles in her neighbourhood and was familiar with her family. He regularly attended their parties and barbecues, where he was previously regarded as a friendly acquaintance.
However, prosecutors said Qiu had developed romantic feelings for Marcelle and wanted to pursue a relationship with her.
Marcelle reportedly did not share his feelings and preferred to remain friends.
Lured Woman to His Home Using Gift Basket
In June 2025, Marcelle reportedly visited Qiu’s home after he repeatedly insisted that she personally collect a Valentine’s Day gift basket from him.
Security camera footage showed the teenager arriving at his residence in the morning.
Several hours later, surveillance footage captured Qiu leaving his property while pushing a wheelbarrow covered with a blue tarpaulin.
Investigators later discovered Marcelle’s remains inside the tarpaulin at another property belonging to Qiu.
Her body had been partially eaten by two pit bulls, making the discovery particularly horrifying for investigators.
Chinese Man Arrested After Fleeing Rio de Janeiro
Following the murder, Qiu reportedly left Rio de Janeiro in an attempt to evade authorities.
Police eventually tracked him down and arrested him in São Paulo during a joint operation.
During questioning, Qiu admitted to strangling Marcelle.
A witness also reportedly revealed that Qiu had sent a disturbing message following the incident.
According to the reported message, he wrote: “I’ve already killed her, now I’m going to kill myself.”
Judge Describes Case as Another Episode of Femicide
On 29 October 2026, Qiu was sentenced to 38 years in prison for the murder and concealment of Marcelle’s body.
During sentencing, the judge described the case as “another classic episode of femicide”.
She also expressed horror at the circumstances in which the victim’s remains were discovered.
“The mere fact of handing the victim’s body over to the ravenous appetite of pit bull dogs horrifies and repulses any ordinary person,” the judge said.
The judge further highlighted the tremendous emotional suffering experienced by Marcelle’s family, particularly her mother, who had to cope with the circumstances surrounding her daughter’s death.
She noted that the young woman’s life had been full of promise before it was tragically cut short.
Qiu’s 38-year prison sentence brings a conclusion to a case that has drawn attention to the devastating consequences of violence against women, particularly when rejected romantic advances turn into acts of extreme violence.