A Minnesota businessman died in an alleged drug-fueled robbery in Brazil earlier this month — and police have arrested a young woman for the so-called “Goodnight Cinderella” plot, cops said.
D’wayne Antonio Morris, of Minneapolis, was found dead in his rented apartment in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, on Aug. 8, the local outlet g1 reported.
Morris, 43, arrived in the country just one day before he died, police said.
He was believed to have been drugged, which caused him to convulse and foam at the mouth, g1 added.
Letícia Clara Bento da Silva, 23, was identified by Brazil’s Civil Police as the prime suspect in Morris’ death.
Da Silva and a second, unidentified woman allegedly drugged Morris with GHB, a powerful depressant, and robbed him before fleeing the apartment.
Drug-induced robberies in which the victim is incapacitated or dazed by GHB, Rohypnol or another substance are known in Brazil as “Goodnight Cinderella” schemes.
In larger doses, GHB can cause loss of consciousness and respiratory depression, which can result in death.
Morris and a friend are believed to have met da Silva and the second woman while out in the Lapa neighborhood.
The foursome supposedly had drinks at a bar before returning to Morris’ apartment. Morris’ friend felt dizzy and unwell, so he went to a different location, according to reports.
Morris and the two women arrived at his apartment after midnight.
The women were captured on surveillance cameras leaving the building and getting into a black car about two hours later.
Da Silva is also a suspect in a string of other drug-induced thefts, the police said.
She faces murder charges in connection with Morris’ death.
“We offer our sincerest condolences to the family for their loss and stand ready to provide consular assistance,” the US Consulate in Rio de Janeiro said of the American man’s passing.
“We are closely monitoring local authorities’ investigations regarding the cause of death. Out of respect for the family during this difficult time, we have no further comment.”
Morris was the president and founder of Blue Waters Consulting and Soul Community Development Corporation, where he managed a $14 million business portfolio.
“He was a fun partner to have,” Morris’ partner, Tamantha Richman, told CBS News.
Morris was the sole provider for the couple’s blended family, which included his child and Richman’s three kids.
As of Tuesday morning, a GoFundMe for Morris’ funeral and burial had raised over $30,000 of its $50,000 goal.
