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1 month ago
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A woman has been arrested over the alleged murder of an American millionaire believed to have died after being fatally drugged in a 'Goodnight Cinderella' scam.
D'Wayne Antonio Morris, 43, was found dead in his rented apartment in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on August 8 this year. He was drugged before reportedly convulsing and foaming at the mouth.
Police say Morris and a friend had been lured by two women who then drugged them with GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate), a powerful nervous system depressant, in an attempt to rob them. His companion survived the attack.
Leticia Clara Bento da Silva, 23, whom is understood to have met the pair at a local bar has now been arrested over Morris' murder.
A second suspect, whom was caught on surveillance camera leaving the apartment with a woman believed to be da Silva, has not been identified and remains at large.
Morris, from Minneapolis, was the founder of Blue Waters Consulting and Soul Community Development Corporation and managed a $14million portfolio of businesses.
D'wayne Antonio Morris, 43, (left) was found dead in his rented apartment in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on August 8 this year. Leticia Clara Bento da Silva, 23, (right) has now been arrested over his murder
Two women are believed to have drugged Morris with GHB, a powerful nervous system depressant, and fled the scene. Morris and his friend are seen on CCTV footage entering the rented apartment where he was found dead with two women - who are suspects in his murder
He had travelled to Brazil on business when he fell victim to a tourist drugging scheme allegedly carried out by da Silva and an unidentified accomplice.
The two women are believed to have drugged Morris with GHB, a powerful nervous system depressant, and fled the scene.
Morris was with a friend in the Lapa neighborhood when he encountered da Silva and her friend in the early hours of the day of the incident.
Reports suggest the group had drinks at a bar before heading to the rented apartment where Morris was later found dead.
The entrepreneur's friend, feeling unwell, left for another location. He later told cops he felt dizzy and disoriented.
Morris and the two women arrived at the apartment around 20 minutes past midnight on August 8.
Surveillance camera footage showed the two women exiting the building alone just two hours later. A doorman can be seen letting them out as they enter a black vehicle waiting for them.
Surveillance camera footage showed the two women exiting the building alone just two hours later and entering a black vehicle waiting for them (pictured)
Leticia Clara Bento da Silva is pictured in a series of photos released by authorities. Police say she has a criminal record for similar offences and was a suspect in several cases involving drug-induced thefts
A second suspect, (pictured) whom was caught on surveillance camera leaving the apartment with a woman believed to be da Silva, has not been identified and remains at large
Morris, a father-of-one, was found unconscious in the apartment later that morning. He was dead by the time authorities made it to the scene.
Police say that after being drugged, Morris convulsed and foamed at the mouth, The Atlanta Black Star reported.
Witness accounts and investigations pointed to da Silva, who police report has a criminal record for similar offences and was a suspect in several cases involving drug-induced thefts.
The US Consulate in Rio de Janeiro has confirmed Morris' death and offered, in a statement, their 'sincerest condolences' to his family.
'We offer our sincerest condolences to the family for their loss and stand ready to provide consular assistance,' the consulate said.
Morris, pictured in his US passport photo, had travelled to Brazil on business. He was the founder of Blue Waters Consulting and Soul Community Development Corporation and managed a $14million portfolio of businesses
'We are closely monitoring local authorities' investigations regarding the cause of death. Out of respect for the family during this difficult time, we have no further comment.'
Morris' life partner Tamatha Richman paid tribute to the businessman, telling CBS News last week that 'to be a partner with D'Wayne is really to share him with the world'.
She shared how their family had 'traveled to a variety of countries' and were often very safe, keeping 'well aware of the things that are necessary as you become an international traveler'.
'It doesn't it doesn't make sense. D'Wayne was in the country less than 24 hours. D'Wayne had not even spent the night in Brazil,' she said of his murder. 'This is a definitely situation where D'Wayne was targeted.'
Richman, who is organizing a celebration of life for Morris in Minnesota, said the family has faced several challenges bringing his body home. He will later be buried in Jamaica, where has was born, on his family's land.
'The Embassy and local authorities have informed us that this process may take some time,' she wrote on a GoFundMe page created in his honor. She said the family will keep everyone updated on the situation.
The crowdfunder, which aims to help the family with expenses during this difficult time, has already raised more than $30,000.
A GoFundMe account aiming to help the family bring Morris' body home has already raised more than $30,000. Pictured: D'Wayne Morris
'Good night, Cinderella' is a contemporary Brazilian slang for Rohypnol, GHB, or any drug that incapacitates another person, rendering them vulnerable to assault or robbery.
GHB can also cause amnesia, meaning that when people recover from the drug's effects, they may not remember what happened.
It further slows the transmission of messages between the brain and body, and at higher doses, it can cause sedation, confusion, loss of consciousness, and respiratory depression, resulting in death.
English (US)