Double murder in Portugal: profile of Natalino Cordeiro, Brazilian caretaker suspected
The 45-year-old Brazilian, former trusted aide to a French couple in the Algarve, is the principal suspect in their death on 11 September. Parismatch.com profiles him.
Natalino Cordeiro, from "adopted son" to suspect in double homicide in the Algarve
According to parismatch.com, Natalino Cordeiro, a 45-year-old Brazilian, is the principal suspect in the death of Jean-Marie Grenier and his partner Milena, two French nationals whose bodies were discovered on 11 September in the Algarve region of Portugal.
Like many of his countrymen, Cordeiro had left Brazil to try his luck in Portugal. In this Portuguese-speaking country, he had found work and his bearings. Jean-Marie Grenier, originally from Lot, an osteopath and well-known figure in the municipality of Odiáxere, regarded him as his own son. The former French rally driver was nevertheless also his employer: for several years, Cordeiro had held the position of caretaker of the couple's property.
A recruitment born from trauma
The working relationship had a precise origin. In 2019, the couple's home — which also served as an osteopathy clinic — had been the target of a violent burglary. "They fought with masked and armed individuals. A bullet grazed Jean-Marie's neck and 'Mimi' had her knee broken," said Delphine, Jean-Marie Grenier's stepdaughter. Traumatised by this episode, the two French nationals then recruited Natalino Cordeiro to secure their property.
The man had settled into a small studio situated in the garden. Beyond his role as caretaker, he participated in daily tasks: gardening, repairs, general maintenance. For several years, cohabitation had proceeded without apparent incident.
Growing tensions before the events
The situation had nevertheless deteriorated over time. Ghislaine Grenier Junca, sister of the deceased, told TF1 that an altercation had taken place some time before the tragedy. "One day, he shoved and was violent towards my brother. He was starting to be afraid of him," she stated.
Delphine paints an even darker picture of the Brazilian caretaker. In remarks to "Le Figaro", she had indicated that they needed to "rid themselves" of Cordeiro and "distance themselves from him because they did not trust him. He was quite intrusive and was using drugs". On 17 September, she reiterated these remarks in "Le Parisien": "Milena had recently tried to distance him a bit. He was consuming alcohol and drugs. He had behaviours that alerted them."
Apprehension on the day bodies were discovered
Natalino Cordeiro was apprehended on 11 September, the very day the bodies were found. Portuguese investigators discovered on him a sum of money as well as jewellery belonging to the couple. According to Portuguese media, it was an acquaintance of the suspect, alerted by the suspect himself, who notified the police.
Examination of the bodies revealed traces consistent with an assault "using a blunt instrument". According to initial investigation findings, these blows are believed to have been fatal to the two victims. The bodies are moreover said to have been sprayed with chemical products, according to other French media outlets.
In detention pending hearing
Placed in pre-trial detention, Natalino Cordeiro was due to be heard shortly by a Portuguese judge regarding his alleged involvement in the facts. Portuguese judicial police identify him as the principal suspect in the double homicide committed on 11 September.
Source: Google News LU FR