US and South African couple found dead in Curitiba apartment

A child in an apartment in downtown Curitiba, Paraná, made a shocking discovery on the morning of Sunday, July 20, 2025, noticing blood dripping down the walls of their room. The police were called and identified a foreign couple dead in a triplex penthouse apartment. Ian Alexandre Bruder Hay, 30, from the United States, and Anne Leigh McKenzie, 27, from South Africa, were the victims. According to the Paraná Civil Police (PC-PR), the man shot the woman twice and then took his own life. The incident, which occurred on the night of Saturday, July 19, is being investigated as a possible feminicide. The crime scene revealed an unregistered pistol, ammunition, drugs, and other items, raising questions about the couple’s presence in Brazil.

The discovery of the crime stunned the building’s residents, who described the moment as disturbing. The child, whose name and age were not disclosed, alerted their parents, who immediately contacted the Paraná Military Police (PM-PR). Officers had to break down the apartment door to access the scene, where they found the bodies.

The case gained attention due to its severity and unusual circumstances. The police are still working to understand the motives behind the crime and the relationship between the couple, who had rented the apartment for two months.

Investigation details

The Civil Police, led by Delegate Aline Manzatto, are conducting the investigation to clarify the facts. In the apartment, officers found items that drew attention:

• A 9mm imported pistol, unregistered, used in the crime.
• Various ammunition, including a magazine with a capacity for 50 rounds.
• Narcotic substances and syringes, still under analysis.
• Six cell phones, watches, and jewelry, which may help profile the couple.

The delegate highlighted the significant amount of ammunition found, including an unusual snail-shaped magazine. The lack of registration on the weapon raises suspicions about its origin, and the police are investigating whether the couple was involved in illicit activities.

The triplex apartment, located in an upscale area of downtown Curitiba, was rented temporarily. There are no records of complaints from neighbors or prior incidents in the property. The investigation now focuses on tracking the couple’s contacts in Brazil and abroad, but friends and family have not yet been located.

Possible feminicide

The investigation points to a case of feminicide followed by suicide. Delegate Aline Manzatto stated that the two shots fired at Anne Leigh McKenzie indicate an intentional act, while Ian Alexandre Bruder Hay’s death was caused by a self-inflicted gunshot. The police are working to confirm the crime’s dynamics, including possible motives.

Although details about the couple’s relationship are scarce, the investigation considers hypotheses such as personal disputes or other factors that may have triggered the tragedy. The absence of direct witnesses and prior criminal records for the couple in Brazil complicates the reconstruction of events.

The Civil Police are also analyzing the seized cell phones, which may contain messages, photos, or other relevant data. The jewelry and watches found at the scene are being evaluated to determine if they belonged to the couple or are related to the crime.

Discovery context

The child who noticed blood dripping down the walls was the starting point for the crime’s discovery. According to reports, the minor, who lives in the apartment below, informed their parents, who promptly called the PM-PR. The scene described by the officers who arrived was striking, with the bodies already lifeless and clear signs of violence.

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The building, located in the heart of Curitiba, is known for its modern structure and high-end apartments. The temporary rental of the triplex suggests the couple might have been in Brazil for tourism or work, but the police have not yet confirmed the purpose of their stay.

Residents of the building, who preferred to remain anonymous, told local media that the couple kept a low profile. There were no reports of noise or suspicious behavior prior to the incident. The presence of blood on the walls of the apartment below shocked the community, which now seeks answers about the event.

Seized items and next steps

The items found in the apartment provide important clues for the investigation. The unregistered pistol is a primary focus, as its possession is illegal in Brazil. The police are investigating whether the weapon was acquired in the country or brought from abroad.

• Various ammunition: Besides the high-capacity magazine, other weapon accessories were found.
• Drugs and syringes: Analyses are being conducted to identify the substances.
• Electronics: The six cell phones may contain information about contacts or the couple’s activities.
• Valuables: Jewelry and watches are being evaluated to determine their origin.

The Civil Police are awaiting results from forensic examinations at the scene and on the bodies, which may clarify the crime’s timeline. Toxicological tests are also underway to determine if substance use influenced the events.

Local repercussions

The case shocked Curitiba’s population, especially due to the way it was discovered. The involvement of a child in identifying the crime added an element of emotional impact to the tragedy. Residents of the building and nearby areas expressed concern about safety in residential buildings, even in areas considered secure.

Curitiba’s city hall has not issued an official statement on the case, but authorities emphasized the importance of reporting suspicious situations. The Civil Police requested that anyone with information about the couple contact them to assist in the investigation.

The absence of located family or friends so far complicates the official notification of the deaths. Consular representations from the United States and South Africa have been contacted to assist with identification and potential repatriation of the bodies.

What is known so far

The crime, which occurred on the night of July 19, 2025, remains under investigation. The Civil Police are working with the following information:

• The couple consisted of Ian Alexandre Bruder Hay (USA) and Anne Leigh McKenzie (South Africa).
• The man shot the woman and then committed suicide.
• The discovery was made after a child noticed blood dripping down the walls.
• Items such as a weapon, ammunition, and drugs were seized at the scene.
• The investigation is determining whether the couple was in Brazil for work or tourism.

The police hope that forensic reports and cell phone analysis will provide more clarity on the crime’s motives. Meanwhile, the local community remains shaken, and the case sparks discussions about violence and safety in urban areas.