Brazilian priest murdered, drug traffickers suspected - Rio de Janeiro Father Oto Campos Braga - Brief Article
National Catholic Reporter, Oct 30, 1998
A Brazilian priest regarded as a champion against drug trafficking and drug consumption was murdered after celebrating Mass in a slum in Rio de Janeiro.

Early Oct. 19 police found the body of Fr. Oto Campos Braga, 39, inside his far after he was reported missing Oct. 18, Braga was attacked the evening of Oct. 18 after celebrating Mass. According to early, investigations, the priest was beaten md his car was set afire.

Braga was involved in the recovery of drug addicts at Santo Antonio de Guarus, his parish in the Campos diocese in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

He was a strong critic of drug traffickers in the area. The police believe that a local gang of drug traffickers murdered the priest, but investigations were still under way.

Bishop Roberto Gomes Guimaraes of Campos said, "He was a very good man, a devoted pastor and beloved by his people." He added that the priest was well known for his strong stance against "some economic interests."