Brazilian Bodybuilder, 41, Fatally Stabbed

Police in Brazil say a professional bodybuilder was stabbed to death Sunday after a fight in his apartment — and his girlfriend is in police custody after being seriously injured in the ordeal.

According to a statement from the Civil Police of Chapecó, the confrontation began inside the unit of Valter de Vargas Aita, 41, on Rua 7 de Setembro. Photos of the aftermath released by police show blood spattered on corridor walls as he tried to escape and get help.

Police did not identify the 43-year-old woman also in the apartment as Aita’s girlfriend, but she was identified as such by RIC, Terra and NSC Total.

Aita suffered stab wounds to the abdomen, back, face and neck and collapsed in a stairwell; his girlfriend underwent surgery and is being held under guard at the hospital.

Police said the woman had an outstanding warrant from Rio Grande do Sul tied to a conviction for robbery resulting in death with a 15-year sentence, and they expect to seek a new temporary arrest order connected to Sunday’s killing if she survives. 

Detectives said they are still determining whether anyone else was involved and will release additional information as the investigation progresses. 

Aita — known locally as “Valtinho” — worked as a personal trainer and was a competitive bodybuilder, per his posts on social media. He was a multi-time state champion and the World Fitness Federation’s world runner-up in 2024, according to regional outlets RIC, Oeste SC Noticias and SBT News.