NEED TO KNOW
-
On March 15, 2018, Brazilian content creator Aline Borel posted an unassuming three-minute clip to YouTube, a gif of which would later become a viral meme reaction to shocking news online
-
Years after her video became a viral sensation, Borel was the victim in a dark murder case that captivated the Araruama municipality of Brazil
-
Borel’s body was found dead with gunshot wounds on Dentinho Beach on April 21, 2022, prompting an investigation by the Civil and Military Police, reported local outlet g1
On March 15, 2018, Aline Borel — a Brazilian content creator known for sharing videos of her singing online — posted an unassuming three-minute clip to YouTube.
Though Borel had only a modest following, the video, a cover of a song by Brazilian pop duo Sandy & Junior, would forever be memorialized in the internet hall of fame years later: A short clip of Borel as she strains to hit a high note would become a gif, used as a meme reaction to shocking news online.
But years after her video became a viral sensation, Borel was the victim in a dark murder case that captivated the Araruama municipality of Brazil.
On April 21, 2022, Borel’s body was found dead with gunshot wounds on Dentinho Beach, prompting an investigation by the Civil and Military Police, reported local outlet g1.
By June of that year, Civil Police concluded its investigation, arresting four suspects for an alleged triple-aggravated homicide, all of whom were already in prison for drug trafficking charges, per g1.
Police told the outlet that the suspects believed, falsely, that Borel was an informant for a local militia that was trying to establish itself in the Corte neighborhood. Citing security camera footage, police said that one of the suspects approached Borel and showed her a photo of a member of the alleged militia, to which she responded that she knew him and agreed to get on his motorcycle, per g1.
Aline Borel
Credit: Aline Borel Dos Santos/Instagram
The outlet also reported that police had seized the suspect’s motorcycle and a revolver, which they believe was used to kill Borel.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
On April 17, 2019, three years before her death, Borel’s Instagram account announced that she was stepping away from content creation as she underwent psychiatric treatment for depression.
Aline Borel
Credit: Aline Borel Dos Santos/Instagram
“Aline is fully aware of all the support and affection you have shown her. I ask that you continue to send positive energy her way,” read the post. “I hope that one day she will return to social media — fully recovered, healthy, and well!”
The news of her death generated a large public outcry online as her Brazilian fans sought answers. On X, hundreds used the #JusticaPorAlineBorel — which translates to “Justice for Aline Borel” — as the investigation into her death began.
Thousands of fans also shared tributes to the late internet star in the comments of her final posts.
“Rest in peace queen,” wrote one.
“Always in our hearts, eternal Aline,” penned another.
“rest in peace🦢💞 sending her family so so much love, peace, healing, strength, and condolences,” wrote a third.
Read the original article on People