A woman has been arrested for the suspected murder of an American millionaire who is believed to have died after being drugged as part of 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 going into convulsions and foaming at the mouth.
According to police, Morris and a friend were lured by two women who then gave them GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate), a powerful neurodepressant, in order to rob them. His companion survived the attack.
Leticia Clara Bento da Silva, 23, who apparently met the two in a local bar, has now been arrested for Morris’ murder.
A second suspect, who 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, of Minneapolis, was the founder of Blue Waters Consulting and Soul Community Development Corporation and managed a portfolio of companies valued at $14 million.
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 for his murder.
Two women are said to have drugged Morris with GHB, a powerful neurodepressant, and fled the scene. Video footage shows Morris and his friend entering the rented apartment where he was found dead along with two women – who are suspected of murder.
He was traveling in Brazil on business when he fell victim to a drug plot allegedly carried out by da Silva and an unidentified accomplice.
The two women are said to have drugged Morris with GHB, a powerful neurodepressant, and fled the scene.
Morris was walking 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.
The group reportedly had a few drinks at a bar before heading to the rental apartment where Morris was later found dead.
The businessman’s friend felt unwell and went to another location. He later told police officers that he felt dizzy and disoriented.
Morris and the two women arrived at the apartment about 20 minutes after midnight on August 8.
Security camera footage shows the two women leaving the building alone just two hours later. A doorman can be seen letting them out as they get into a black vehicle that is waiting for them.
Surveillance camera footage showed the two women leaving the building alone just two hours later and getting into a black vehicle that was waiting for them (picture).
Leticia Clara Bento da Silva is seen in a series of photos released by authorities. Police say she has a previous conviction for similar crimes and was suspected in several drug thefts.
A second suspect (pictured), who 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 already dead when officers arrived at the scene.
According to the Atlanta Black Star, Morris suffered from convulsions and foaming at the mouth after being administered the drug.
Witness statements and investigations pointed to da Silva, who, according to police, has previous convictions for similar offenses and was considered a suspect in several cases of drug-related theft.
Morris, pictured in his U.S. passport photo, had traveled to Brazil on business. He was the founder of Blue Waters Consulting and Soul Community Development Corporation and managed a $14 million portfolio of companies
The US Consulate in Rio de Janeiro confirmed Morris’ death and expressed its “sincere condolences” to his family in a statement.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the family for their loss and stand ready to provide consular assistance,” the consulate said.
“We are closely following the local authorities’ investigation into the cause of death. Out of respect for the family at this difficult time, we would like to make no further comment.”
Morris’ partner Tamatha Richman paid tribute to the businessman, telling CBS News last week: “Working with D’Wayne is sharing him with the world.”
She said her family had “traveled to many different countries” and often felt very safe, while being “aware of the things that are necessary when traveling internationally.”
“This doesn’t make sense. D’Wayne was in the country for less than 24 hours. D’Wayne hadn’t even spent the night in Brazil,” she said of his murder. “This is definitely a situation where D’Wayne was the target.”
Richman, who is organizing a funeral for Morris in Minnesota, said the family had several difficulties bringing his body home. He will later be buried on his family’s land in Jamaica, where he was born.
“The embassy and local authorities have informed us that this process may take some time,” she wrote on a GoFundMe page set up in his honor. She said the family would keep everyone updated on the situation.
The crowdfunding project, which aims to help the family with expenses during this difficult time, has already raised more than $30,000.
Morris’ partner Tamatha Richman (pictured with Morris) says her family “travelled to many different countries” and was often very safe as they were “aware of the things that are necessary when you travel internationally”. She said his murder “makes no sense”
A GoFundMe account to help the family bring Morris’ body home has already raised more than $30,000. Pictured: D’Wayne Morris
“Goodnight, Cinderella” is contemporary Brazilian slang for Rohypnol, GHB, or any other drug that incapacitates another person and makes them vulnerable to attack or robbery.
GHB can also cause amnesia, meaning that when people recover from the effects of the drug, they may not remember what happened.
In addition, it slows down the transmission of messages between the brain and the body and, in higher doses, can cause sedation, confusion, unconsciousness and respiratory depression, which can lead to death.
