*A Minnesota businessman tragically lost his life in Brazil earlier this month in what police describe as a drug-fueled robbery. D’wayne Antonio Morris, a 43-year-old entrepreneur from Minneapolis, was found dead in his rented apartment in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, on August 8, just one day after arriving in the country.
Local news outlet g1 reported that Morris appeared to have been drugged, leading to convulsions and foaming at the mouth. The prime suspect, identified as 23-year-old Letícia Clara Bento da Silva, has been arrested by Brazil’s Civil Police.
Da Silva, along with a second unidentified woman, allegedly drugged Morris with GHB, a powerful depressant often used in drug-induced robberies known in Brazil as “Goodnight Cinderella” schemes. These schemes involve incapacitating victims with substances like GHB or Rohypnol, making them easy targets for theft.
According to the investigation, Morris and a friend met da Silva and the second woman in the Lapa neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. After drinks at a bar, the group returned to Morris’ apartment. Morris’ friend, feeling dizzy and unwell, left for another location, while Morris and the two women continued on to his apartment. Surveillance footage captured the two women leaving the building and getting into a black car about two hours later, reports the NY Post.
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Da Silva is also a suspect in several other similar thefts and now faces murder charges in connection with Morris’ death. The US Consulate in Rio de Janeiro has expressed condolences to Morris’ family and is closely monitoring the investigation.
Morris was a respected figure in his community, serving as the president and founder of Blue Waters Consulting and Soul Community Development Corporation, where he managed a $14 million business portfolio. His death has left a significant void, particularly for his partner, Tamantha Richman, and their blended family, which includes Morris’ child and Richman’s three kids.
“He was a fun partner to have,” Richman told CBS News. The family is now facing financial challenges, and a GoFundMe campaign for Morris’ funeral and burial expenses has raised over $30,000 toward its $50,000 goal as of this posting (08-20-24).
Morris’ tragic death has shocked both his local community in Minneapolis and those who knew him professionally, leaving many to mourn the loss of a dedicated businessman and loving father.
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