Star Brazilian goalkeeper held in murder case

Bruno Souza, a star goalkeeper for the popular Brazilian club Flamengo, surrendered to police Wednesday to face questioning in connection with the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend, officials said.

Justice officials had earlier ordered the footballer, known by the name Bruno, to be jailed for five days during the investigation into the disappearance and possible death of Eliza Samudio, 25.

The woman, who had a four-month-old baby and claimed that Bruno was the father, disappeared last month after being taken to his secondary residence near Belo Horizonte.

Samudio’s body has not been found, but her 17-year-old cousin who acknowledged helping in her abduction, claimed the woman was strangled, and was assisting police in looking her her body, officials said.

The case has drawn national attention because Bruno has been the captain of Flamengo, the most popular club and the champion of the Brazilian league. He was suspended by the club last week.

Police began a manhunt for Bruno and his friend Luiz Henrique Ferreira Romao, known as Macarrao, earlier Wednesday, before they turned themselves in.

Authorities also ordered detention for six other people, including Bruno’s wife, Dayana Rodrigues, who was found with Samudio’s baby.

The other arrests were because “the investigation was being obstructed,” said Edson Moreira, an official with the state of Minas Gerais.