Andreas von Richthofen’s testimony exposes blackmail by Suzane von Richthofen in the 2006 trial
Andreas von Richthofen gave testimony on July 18, 2006, during the trial of those accused of the murder of Manfred and Marísia von Richthofen, which took place in São Paulo. Suzane von Richthofen’s brother, then 19 years old and a student at USP, spoke for around three hours at the Barra Funda Forum. He denied versions presented by his sister and brothers Cravinhos, Daniel and Cristian, convicted of the planned crime in 2002.
The testimony took place in the context of a process that resulted in sentences of 39 years for Suzane and Daniel, and 38 years for Cristian. Andreas asked to testify without the presence of the defendants, highlighting the personal impact of the case. The statements gained new visibility with the premiere of the series Tremembé, on Amazon Prime Video, on October 31, 2025.
Andreas reported initial closeness with his sister and Daniel, but emphasized the deterioration of the relationship after the crime. He confirmed that he had visited Suzane in prison several times, but stopped when he understood the extent of the facts. The testimony reinforced the thesis of premeditation, with contradictions in the accounts of those involved.
- Emotional blackmail: Andreas described pressure to influence family decisions.
- Dispute over assets: Demand for a detailed inventory of items in the house, valued at R$2 million.
- Denied about drugs: He stated that Suzane did not appear to be under the influence on the night of the crime.
Family relationship before the crime
Andreas was 16 years old in October 2002, when his parents were killed with sledgehammers at the family home in São Paulo. He was close to Suzane, 18 years old at the time, and Daniel Cravinhos, her boyfriend. Daniel introduced Andreas to the use of marijuana, according to the testimony.
The von Richthofen family lived in an upscale neighborhood, with Manfred an engineer and Marísia a lawyer. Andreas described his parents as absent due to work, but denied mistreatment or abuse, contradicting Daniel’s allegations.
Accusations of emotional manipulation
Andreas stated that Suzane emotionally blackmailed him several times after the crime. He mentioned attempts to influence the sharing of the inheritance, promising to renounce the assets but without complying. The brother laughed at the suggestion of official withdrawal, according to reports from the process.
The requirement to count objects in the house, such as cutlery, crockery and furniture, occurred even with Suzane in prison. Andreas classified the action as unnecessary and manipulative.
He presented a note written in 2003, in which he expressed support for his sister and opposition to her exclusion from the inheritance. Andreas explained that the text was written under emotional pressure from Suzane.
The document served as proof of blackmail, reinforcing the break between the brothers. Andreas expressed concern about Suzane’s unauthorized visits to her relatives’ homes.
Family Inheritance Details
The von Richthofen inheritance was valued at around R$2 million at the time of the trial, including real estate and investments. Andreas reported that Suzane tried to control the division, even though she was detained in the São Paulo Women’s Penitentiary.
In 2011, the court declared Suzane unworthy of receiving the assets, based on the crime against her parents. Andreas, the only remaining heir, administered the assets after the process.
The testimony highlighted maneuvers to access Manfred’s life insurance, estimated at significant amounts. Andreas denied any intentions of harming his sister, but prioritized family preservation.
Contradictory versions in the trial
Andreas denied the claim that the murder weapon, found inside a stuffed bear, belonged to him. He confirmed that the object belonged to Suzane, contradicting his version.
He denied that his sister was drugged on the night of October 31, 2002, when the couple was attacked in their sleep. The robbery simulation failed due to inconsistencies in the initial statements.
Prosecutor Roberto Tardelli identified 14 contradictions between the defendants, leading to confrontations. Andreas maintained a calm but firm tone when presenting the facts.
- Crime weapon: Directly associated with Suzane.
- Defendant’s condition: No visible signs of intoxication.
- Planning: Evidencied by previous meetings with the Cravinhos.
Testimonial closing
Andreas concluded his testimony in a calm voice, asking judge Alberto Anderson Filho to avoid eye contact with the defendants. He declared that he did not want to meet Suzane and the Cravinhos in the plenary.
The judge granted the request, preserving the emotional integrity of the deponent. The trial continued for more days, culminating in the convictions on July 22, 2006.
Andreas avoided public interviews after the testimony, maintaining privacy about the case.
Updates on those involved
Suzane obtained an open regime in 2023 and lives in the interior of São Paulo with her husband and one son, adopting the surname Muniz. She studies Law remotely and avoids media exposure.
Daniel and Cristian Cravinhos have been serving their sentences in an open regime since 2025, after gradual progressions. Daniel expressed regret in recent messages to Andreas, with no response.
Andreas, now 39 years old, lives in São Roque and graduated in Pharmacy from USP, with a doctorate in Chemistry. He cut ties with his sister years ago, citing inheritance issues.
The Tremembé series, with Marina Ruy Barbosa as Suzane, mixes fiction and reality about the prison routine in Tremembé, where the defendant served part of her sentence.
