Body of Missing 17-Year-Old Found in Wooded Area of Jundiaí
Authorities in Jundiaí, São Paulo, have located the body of 17-year-old Melissa Felippe Martins Santos, who had been missing for 12 days. Her remains were discovered in a wooded area within the Eloy Chaves neighborhood on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
Delegate Jose Ricardo Marchetti of the General Investigations Department (DIG) confirmed that the body was found in an advanced state of decomposition. The remains have been transferred to the Jundiaí Medical Legal Institute (IML) to determine the exact cause of death.
The discovery follows an intensive search operation involving the Civil Police and the Municipal Guard, which included the use of scent dogs in the Serra do Japi region. The case has drawn significant attention to the pressures facing students and the critical importance of adolescent mental health support.
Melissa disappeared on the morning of Saturday, March 28, 2026. Security footage from her pre-university preparatory course on Avenida 9 de Julho shows her leaving the premises around 7:40 a.m. Her brother, Sólon Felippe Alvarenga, told investigators that Melissa maintained a rigorous study schedule but left the center early that day following an anxiety attack.
The investigation revealed a timeline of her final movements. After leaving the course, Melissa went to the city’s Botanical Garden, where she met with a friend and remained until approximately 12:00 p.m. Following this meeting, transportation records indicate she traveled to the Terminal Eloy Chaves. Witnesses later reported seeing her on an intercity bus, where she appeared disoriented and was asking for directions to the city of Itupeva.
Police also determined that Melissa requested a ride-share vehicle shortly before her mobile phone was powered off. To assist in the ongoing investigation, authorities have already questioned the ride-share driver, as well as the teenager’s mother and brother.
According to her family, Melissa had been battling depression and was receiving treatment through Jundiaí’s Psychosocial Care Center (Caps). Police are continuing to analyze security footage and witness statements to fully reconstruct the events leading up to her death.
