Three more arrests after evidence goes missing in Brazil rope jump death

Three more people have been arrested over a rope-jumping accident that left a woman dead in Brazil, amid revelations from police that important evidence may have been suppressed.

Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, 21, was thrown off an abandoned railway bridge in Limeira, Sao Paolo, without a rope attached and plunged 40 metres to her death on June 13.

Three rope instructors were arrested the same day and remain in custody.

On the weekend, three more members of the team responsible for organising and carrying out the jump were also arrested.

The trio – a 29-year-old woman and two men aged 25 and 27 – have been detained for an initial period of five days, and no charges have been laid.

Investigating police chief Andréa Levy told local media there were indications that evidence may have been withheld, after a video camera the victim was wearing during the jump disappeared.

There were also indications digital content may have been deleted following the accident, investigators said.

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A court has authorised searches and the seizure of mobile phones, electronic devices and other evidence.

Video footage posted on social media showed de Freitas in a “Superman” pose being carried to the edge of the bridge and thrown off by three instructors.

A rope – reportedly the safety cord – can be seen lying disused on the ground nearby.

A rope jump differs from a bungee jump as the rope is not as elastic, causing the jumper to swing back and forth rather than bounce up and down.

The three instructors arrested on the day of her death have been charged with homicide with eventual intent; a crime that suggests they did not have the direct intention of killing but were aware of the risk of death and chose to proceed anyway.

Authorities are also examining possible obstruction of justice.