Chinese man, 38, kills woman, 18, in Brazil & feeds her to pit bulls after getting rejected, given 38 years' jail

A Chinese man in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was sentenced to 38 years’ jail for murdering an 18-year-old woman who rejected his romantic advances.

The woman’s remains were discovered wrapped in a tarpaulin and partially eaten by pit bulls in June 2025, local media reported.

Qiu Zhaohu, a stall owner also known as Xau, pleaded guilty to femicide and concealing the body of Marcelle Júlia Araújo da Silva.

Interest

Marcelle and Qiu reportedly knew each other for at least 10 years.

Qiu operated a food stall selling yakisoba noodles in Marcelle’s neighbourhood and was apparently familiar with her family.

He frequently attended their parties and barbecues and was once regarded as a friendly figure.

According to the prosecution, Qiu developed a romantic interest in Marcelle and wanted to pursue a romantic relationship with her.

However, she only wanted to remain friends with him.

Gift

According to The Sun, in June 2025, Marcelle went to Qiu’s home after he insisted that she collect a Valentine’s Day gift basket in person.

Security footage revealed her arriving at his home in the morning.

Several hours later, Qiu was captured leaving his residence while pushing a wheelbarrow covered with a blue tarp.

Her remains were subsequently discovered in the tarp at another property belonging to Qiu.

It was partially eaten by two pit bulls.

Arrest

After murdering her, Qiu left Rio De Janeiro.

Local police later arrested him in a joint operation in São Paulo.

During questioning, Qiu admitted to strangling Marcelle.

A witness also said they saw a message Qiu sent.

“I’ve already killed her, now I’m going to kill myself,” the message reportedly read.

Sentencing

During his sentencing on Oct. 29, the judge described the case as “another classic episode of femicide”.

“The mere fact of handing the victim’s body over to the ravenous appetite of pit bull dogs horrifies and repulses any ordinary person,” she said.

The judge also highlighted that Marcelle’s death was particularly painful for the victim's family.

“It is therefore not difficult to conclude the immense suffering caused to her family, particularly her mother, upon learning of and imagining the horrific scene that marked the tragic and humiliating end of a life that was still so full of promise," the judge concluded.