In a heartbreaking case that has shaken the community of Fazenda Coutos in Salvador, an 11-year-old boy named Davi Luiz de Jesus Ribeiro lost his life after being hit by a stray bullet. The tragic incident occurred during a violent exchange of gunfire between police officers and suspects last Friday.
The boy's father, Lúcio Ribeiro, spoke publicly for the first time about the loss of his son in an emotional interview. He described Davi as his constant companion and a child who never talked back. The father recalled how his son was dedicated to his studies, consistently earning high marks at school, and was filled with dreams for the future.
According to the father, Davi had promised him a better life, saying that when he grew up, his father would never have to work again. The grieving parent stated that his son was his entire life and that he now draws strength from Davi's memory to continue fighting. He expressed deep uncertainty about the future, noting that the boy's mother also lived entirely for their child.
The family's lawyer, Marinho Soares, reported that the father visited the Police Military Internal Affairs office on Wednesday. The head of the internal affairs division reportedly offered apologies to the family on behalf of the police force and assured them that all efforts are being made to uncover the truth of the events.
The boy's mother remains hospitalized following the incident. Both parents have expressed fear about returning to their home. The child's aunt was also injured during the confrontation. The shooting has sparked outrage among local residents, who have questioned the police tactics used in their neighborhood.
Davi's capoeira instructor, Luiz Cláudio, remembered him as a talented and good-natured boy. He raised pointed questions about the circumstances of the shooting, noting that the child was struck by a frontal shot while inside his own home, and questioned whether the boy could have posed any threat.
The Governor of Bahia, Jerônimo Rodrigues, publicly expressed his condolences to the family. During the same confrontation that claimed Davi's life, two suspects were also shot and killed, and a third was arrested. Police reported seizing three pistols, ammunition, drugs, money, and cell phones from the scene.
A separate confrontation occurred in the same area the following Saturday, resulting in the deaths of two more suspects. Based on reporting from g1.