A 19-year-old was shot dead during a robbery in the early hours of Sunday, October 12, 2025, on the Oswaldo Ortiz Monteiro Highway in Canas, São Paulo. Gustavo Henrique dos Santos Pereira was walking with a friend toward the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida, Brazil’s patroness, when two armed men approached them. The crime, reported around 1:30 a.m. in an isolated stretch of the road, was classified as latrocide by the Guaratinguetá Police Station, which is investigating the suspects.
The victim’s friend, João Pedro Medeiros de Paula, 18, escaped unharmed but had his cellphone stolen. Gustavo resisted the robbers, leading to a physical struggle and the fatal shot. The State Highway Police quickly cordoned off the area for forensic analysis, finding the body near the victim’s cellphone.
The annual pilgrimage draws thousands to the shrine, especially on October 12. This incident underscores the risks on roads busy with pilgrims.
Details of the highway robbery
Two men emerged from roadside bushes and announced the robbery. Gustavo Henrique, from Cachoeira Paulista, resisted one of the assailants physically, resulting in the shot that killed him on the spot.
João Pedro described the suspects as of medium height, about 1.70 meters, with partially covered faces, hindering immediate identification. The robbers fled on foot after the shooting, taking only the survivor’s cellphone.
The Oswaldo Ortiz Monteiro Highway connects Vale do Paraíba municipalities and serves as an alternative route for pilgrims avoiding the Presidente Dutra. Police searched the area but made no immediate arrests.
Victim and companion profile
Gustavo Henrique dos Santos Pereira was nearing his 20th birthday and was on his first pilgrimage with his friend. He lived in Cachoeira Paulista and worked as an assistant at a local company, according to acquaintances.
João Pedro Medeiros de Paula, his walking companion, gave a statement at the police station, confirming the robbery details. The two set out the previous night, aiming to reach the shrine for the October 12 celebrations.
Friends noted Gustavo was a longtime devotee, regularly traveling for religious events in the region. His family was notified and is following the investigation.
Similar incidents during the period
On Saturday, October 11, a 30-year-old military police officer was killed in a similar robbery on the Presidente Dutra Highway in Lorena, about 20 km from Canas. Soldier Luiz Guilherme Crispim de Oliveira was shot in the chest while walking with relatives, with robbers taking a backpack, cellphone, and R$800.
Two other pilgrims were injured in the same incident, with graze wounds and a foot injury, but survived after hospital treatment. The case was recorded as latrocide and attempted latrocide in Lorena.
- Main items stolen in recent robberies: cellphones, backpacks, and cash.
- Common times: between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m., in low-visibility areas.
- Typical suspects: individuals on foot, emerging from roadside vegetation.
These cases occur amid heavy pilgrim traffic on the Dutra and adjacent roads.
Support measures for pilgrims
The Federal Highway Police recorded about 39,000 pilgrims on the Presidente Dutra since early October, surpassing 2024 numbers. Distribution of 20,000 reflective vests and 60,000 stickers aims to improve nighttime visibility.
Meetings with authorities, parishes, and the National Shrine provide guidance on safer routes, like the Rota da Luz, which adds five kilometers but reduces exposure to fast traffic. Enhanced patrolling includes vehicles and drones at critical points.
In 2024, the Dutra had 83 accidents during the pilgrimage, with 93 injuries and four deaths among pilgrims. This year, preventive actions include support tents with hydration and safety guidance.
Ongoing investigation
The Guaratinguetá Police Station is analyzing nearby camera footage and statements to identify the robbers in Gustavo’s case. Two men were detained in Lorena for illegal weapon possession, and photos were shown to João Pedro, who could not confirm their involvement.
Forensic experts collected bullets and evidence at the Canas crime scene. The Civil Police is cross-referencing data with nearby incidents to map criminal patterns.
Intelligence teams monitor possible escape routes, including bushes and secondary accesses. Updates on arrests will follow as the investigation progresses.
Alerts for pilgrims
Pilgrims are advised to travel in groups of at least four, especially at night. Avoiding stops in isolated areas and using location-sharing apps with family are standard recommendations.
- Essential safety items: reflective vest, flashlight, and radio communicator.
- Emergency contacts: 190 for Military Police and 191 for Federal Highway Police.
- Alternative routes: prioritize well-lit, signposted shoulders.
Authorities stress reporting suspicious approaches immediately to speed up responses.
