A prominent Majorcan chef, David Peregrina Capo, and his partner, Érica da Silva Santos, were fatally shot in Brazil. The couple operated a restaurant and planned to expand their business by building a guest accommodation near the dining venue, a project that attracted attention in a remote riverside community. Local residents and friends described them as a devoted duo who worked hard to grow their enterprise and to offer memorable experiences to guests and friends alike.
The tragedy occurred near Ilha dos Ribeirinhos, a restaurant established in 2016 on an island close to the Bunharém River, not far from Porto Seguro. The business focused on Spanish-inspired cuisine and quickly became a local favorite, supported by the couple’s belief in creating a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and visitors. A friend and fellow chef who knew them well recalled hearing about their ambitions to diversify the site by adding lodging and tourist amenities, underscoring their intention to turn the property into a small, self-contained destination.
According to statements gathered by investigators, the couple had discussed selling part of their land, estimated to total around 100,000 square meters, to fund the construction of a hotel complex and cabins designed to deliver a distinctive experience on Pau do Macaco island. The potential project represented a significant step in their growth strategy, aiming to attract travelers seeking a quieter, nature-forward stay in the region.
Local coverage indicates that the surrounding area has long been home to various criminal interests involved in illegal activities, including drug trafficking and weapons trafficking. While authorities have not released a detailed breakdown of the investigation, they have confirmed that the deaths appeared to be intentional and not the result of a robbery. The police have stated that no arrests have been made at this time, and investigations continue to determine the exact motive and those responsible.
Friends and colleagues described Peregrina and da Silva as charismatic hosts who prioritized hospitality and community. A close acquaintance, who also works in the culinary field, expressed shock at the violence and emphasized that the couple had always been focused on creating welcoming experiences for their guests and neighbors.
As investigators work to piece together the events of the night of the incident, attention has turned to the broader context of the region. The isolated nature of the property, combined with ongoing concerns about criminal activity in the area, has raised questions about security and risk management for future development projects along the river corridor. Authorities have urged the public to await official findings before drawing conclusions about suspects or motives, while reaffirming their commitment to resolving the case and ensuring community safety.
The case continues to unfold with the aim of delivering answers to family, friends, and the local community. The loss of Peregrina and da Silva is being felt deeply by those who knew them and by guests who looked forward to visiting the soon-to-be expanded property. In the meantime, plans to grow the hospitality venture remain on hold as investigators pursue every lead and examine how criminal dynamics in the area might intersect with the property’s development ambitions. The broader takeaway from this tragedy is a reminder of the delicate balance between progress and security in remote communities where growth projects can attract unwanted attention and risk.