Math teacher Daniel Oliveira de Andrade is shot dead on Via Dutra By Luís Henrique Costa
3 min read
 |
Gunfire on the Presidente Dutra highway (BR-116) killed the São Paulo math teacher Daniel Oliveira de Andrade, 27, near the Austin neighborhood in Nova Iguaçu, in Baixada Fluminense. The shooting happened around 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2026, while, according to relatives, he was asleep in the front passenger seat during a trip with friends to the city of Rio de Janeiro.
The trip had a special meaning for the teacher, who had recently been approved in the selection process for a doctorate at the University of São Paulo (USP), where he also completed his master’s degree. Three people were in the car: a friend at the wheel, another friend in the back seat and Daniel in front. The car was about 40 kilometers from the group’s planned destination when the attack occurred.
According to the account in circulation, a car began flashing its headlights and forcing its way behind the vehicle carrying the travelers, then overtook a cargo truck. Soon after, the unknown driver braked sharply to trap the heavy vehicle, which pointed to an attempt to steal the cargo. The driver of the tourists’ car accelerated and passed both vehicles, and seconds later the criminals drew alongside and fired in bursts. Four shots pierced the body and the windows, and one bullet struck the young man in the armpit.
A rescue team from the highway concessionaire gave Daniel first aid before an ambulance took him to the Hospital Geral de Nova Iguaçu. Police said he received care but did not survive, while the family says he was already dead when he arrived. The Nova Iguaçu City Hall said the body was sent to the municipal Institute of Legal Medicine (IML), and it was later taken to São Paulo for burial at the Cemitério da Saudade, in the East Zone of the capital, attended by dozens of relatives, colleagues and students from the Associação Crescer Sempre, where he taught.
Dates and figures reported since the shooting
- The family says his master’s dissertation in Mathematics at USP was defended on October 19, 2026.
- Relatives report that more than 300 people attended the wake and the burial, held on Monday, November 2, 2026.
- The family says the IML asked for R$ 700 to release the body and did not accept his passport as identification.
- Daniel taught Mathematics at early childhood education schools.
Police line of inquiry and the family’s account
The Delegacia de Homicídios da Baixada Fluminense (DHBF) is handling the homicide investigation. One main line of inquiry is that the gunmen may have mistaken the passenger car for an armed escort guarding the truck. Police have taken statements from the survivors, carried out a ballistic examination of the car and are reviewing security cameras along the highway.
The family disputes that version. Relatives say criminals trying to rob the truck fired at the car while Daniel slept, and they question the handling of the scene, saying no forensic work was done there and that the Samu response was slow. Reports also say police are examining whether the shooting followed a traffic dispute near kilometer 195, in the direction of Rio de Janeiro.
Where to send anonymous tips in Rio de Janeiro
Information that helps identify the gang behind cargo robberies on the Presidente Dutra can be sent to state security agencies, anonymously.
- Disque Denúncia of Rio de Janeiro: phone and WhatsApp at (21) 2253-1177
- Polícia Civil of the State of Rio de Janeiro: call 197
- Polícia Rodoviária Federal emergency center: call 191
- DHBF headquarters: in-person service in Belford Roxo (RJ)
The DHBF remains responsible for the investigation into the death of the teacher.
