Tremembé series premieres on Prime Video with true crimes by Suzane von Richthofen and Elize Matsunaga: meet the characters

The series Tremembé premiered this Friday, October 31, 2025, on Prime Video, focusing on the routine of the Tremembé Penitentiary, in the interior of São Paulo. The production portrays inmates convicted of high-profile homicides, such as Suzane von Richthofen and Elize Matsunaga. Directed by Vera Egypt, the work is based on true crime books by journalist Ulisses Campbell to explore the internal dynamics of the prison.

The plot mixes fiction and real facts, showing interactions between characters inspired by cases that occurred between 2002 and 2012. The premiere takes place at a time of growing interest in criminal narratives on Brazilian television. The series has five episodes of around 45 minutes each.

• Marina Ruy Barbosa plays Suzane von Richthofen, central to the murder of her parents.
• Bianca Comparato plays Anna Carolina Jatobá, involved in the death of Isabella Nardoni.
• Carol Garcia plays Elize Matsunaga, author of the murder and dismemberment of her husband.

The production highlights the prison environment without sensationalism, prioritizing psychological profiles.

Main cast reveals connections to real cases

Marina Ruy BarbosaTake on the role of Suzane von Richthofen, a central figure in one of the most talked about crimes in the country. The actress, known for productions such as Justiça, prepares for the challenge by studying testimonies and journalistic materials. Felipe Simas and Kelner Macêdo complete the trio involved in the case, playing brothers Daniel and Christian Cravinhos.

Bianca Comparato returns to national roles as Anna Carolina Jatobá, after international projects. Lucas Oradovschi, his partner as Alexandre Nardoni, brings experience in recent soap operas. Anselmo Vasconcelos plays Roger Abdelmassih, a former doctor convicted of sexual crimes.

The choice of cast aims for visual and emotional fidelity to the real people involved. Letícia Rodrigues plays Sandra Regina Ruiz, known as Sandrão, an inmate with notorious relationships in prison.

Crimes that inspire the series’ narrative

Suzane von Richthofen planned the murder of her parents, Manfred and Marísia, on October 31, 2002, in the capital of São Paulo. The executioners used sledgehammers while the victims slept, in a plan motivated by family disapproval of her relationship. The family tried to cover up the act as robbery, but evidence led to Suzane being sentenced to 39 years in prison.

Daniel and Christian Cravinhos received similar sentences for direct participation. The case gained prominence due to the cold planning and immediate repercussion in the media.

Elize Matsunaga killed her husband, Marcos Kitano Matsunaga, in 2012, after discovering cheating. She shot him and dismembered his body to dispose of in suitcases. The court applied an initial 19 years, reduced by confession, with qualifications rejectionactions due to lack of defense to the victim.

Routine at Tremembé prison

The Doutor José Augusto César Salgado Penitentiary has housed high-profile inmates since its inauguration. Located near Taubaté, the unit separates ordinary inmates from public figures to avoid risks. The series shows shared cells and daily activities, such as workshops and visits.

Inmates like Suzane and Elize served their sentences in the women’s wing, Santa Maria Eufrásia Pelletier. Interpersonal relationships emerge as a key element, including documented affective triangles.

Authorities monitor regime progressions, with conditional freedoms based on good behavior. The production films in real locations adapted for safety.

Suzane progressed to semi-open in 2015 and open in 2023, after partial completion of the sentence. Elize Matsunaga obtained a semi-open regime in 2022, with electronic monitoring.

Interpersonal relationships between inmates

Suzane von Richthofen started a relationship with Sandrão in prison, after another relationship ended. This dynamic adds layers to the plot, showing alliances formed through proximity. Elize Matsunaga maintained a formal relationship with Sandrão before the change.

Anna Carolina Jatobá and Alexandre Nardoni remarried after progression. The couple has been serving an open sentence since 2023, with judicial restrictions.

Roger Abdelmassih has remained in a closed regime since 2014, with requests to stay at home denied due to health reasons. Your pentotaling 181 years for abuse against 52 victims between 1990 and 2008.

• Sandrão participated in a fatal kidnapping in 2003, with a sentence of 27 years.
• Case involved a ransom of R$3,000 paid without releasing the 14-year-old victim.
• Relationships in prison influence internal hierarchies.

Behind the scenes production and themes explored

Vera Egypt directs the series with a collaborative script, including Ulisses Campbell. Recordings took place in the second half of 2024, in studios and simulated locations. The production adopts measures to avoid lawsuits from those portrayed.

The narrative focuses on daily tensions, such as disputes over privileges and reflections of past crimes. Themes include adapting to confinement and forced interactions.

Marina Ruy Barbosa acts as associate producer, contributing to authenticity. The released teaser highlights faithful characterizations.

The series is part of the Prime Video catalog at no extra cost for subscribers. Episodes explore profiles without judgment, prioritizing facts.

Alexandre Nardoni and Anna Carolina Jatobá were convicted of throwing Isabella from the sixth floor in 2008. The child suffered prior asphyxiation, with a sentence of 31 years for him and 26 for her. Procedural fraud worsened sentences.

Details of the Nardoni and Abdelmassih cases

The crime against Isabella occurred in a condominium in S�Paulo, with manipulation of the scene by his parents and stepmother. Isabella, aged 5, died after falling and being attacked. The jury rejected qualifications, but upheld convictions for qualified homicide.

Alexandre progressed to open in 2023, with bans on contact with the media. Anna Carolina follows a similar regimen, focused on rehabilitation.

Roger Abdelmassih abused sedated patients at his fertility clinic. He fled in 2011, captured in Paraguay. Revoked registration and cumulative sentence reflect seriousness.

• Victims reported patterns of medical manipulation.
• Process involved 52 formal complaints.
• Prison in Tremembé isolates it from common units.

The series uses these elements to build cohesive episodes.

Impact of the premiere on programming

Tremembé enters the catalog on a date aligned with global true crime productions. Prime Video records an increase in views of similar genres. Critics highlight the balance between drama and documentary.

The work avoids graphic recreations of crimes, opting for subtle flashbacks. Target audience includes fans of factual narratives.

Ulisses Campbell, co-author, draws on extensive journalistic investigations. Books such as “Suzane: Assassina e Manipuladora” serve as a primary reference.

Brazilian production competes with international ones, raising discussionsis about the prison system.