Polícia Judiciária have launched a manhunt after a 75-year-old man known as the “Sucateiro de Lagoa” (Scrap merchant of Lagoa) was found shot head at his company’s warehouse, Auto Peçusa, in Pateiro early on Monday morning.
Luís Duarte had been shot in the head as he sat at his desk. Video surveillance cameras captured the drama and police know exactly who they are looking for, claims Correio da Manhã newspaper.
It is a former associate of the scrap dealer, believed to have contacted Duarte to arrange a meeting at the company’s headquarters before anyone else was around.
When the two met, the associate allegedly shot Duarte in the head and stole over €10,000 from the onsite safe. He is believed to have made his getaway in Duarte’s Peugeot Partner van, later found abandoned in the nearby area of Calvário.
As the manhunt continues, media reports suggest that Luís Duarte had been a friend to the killer, giving him money and work, and allowing him to sleep nights on the premises.
