Case 132
Rui Pedro Teixeira Mendonça
*** Warning: This case involves a child victim ***
On March 4 1998, the parents of Rui Pedro Teixeira Mendonça grew concerned when their son failed to show up for a lesson with his tutor. The 11-year-old had last been seen riding his bike near their family home in Lousada, Portugal. Police were convinced that Rui Pedro had simply gotten lost or injured, but his parents were certain foul play was involved. The spotlight was soon placed on 22-year-old truck driver Afonso Dias, but Rui Pedro’s whereabouts remained unknown.
Rui Pedro’s disappearance made headlines across Portugal and alleged sightings were reported from as far away as Paris. Investigators in the UK were looking into a string of unrelated crimes when they soon made a chilling discovery.
CREDITS
EPISODE:
Research & writing – Milly Raso, Erin Munro, and Elsha McGill
Creative direction – Milly Raso
Narration – Anonymous Host
MUSIC:
‘Flatline intro’ and ‘Come play with me’ intro and outro – www.dl-sounds.com
Audio production – Mike Migas
Scoring – Mike Migas and Andrew Joslyn
OTHER:
Logo and website design – Paulina Szymanska
RESOURCES
TIMELINE:
The main moments of the case Rui Pedro
VIDEO:
Video message for Rui Pedro on the 16th anniversary of his disappearance
ARCHIVED WEBSITES:
ARTICLES:
‘Hello? I have in front of me your grandson Rui Pedro, eating an ice cream’ – Publico
Hell of paedo haven – Mirror
‘What about our missing children?’ – The Telegraph
Rui Pedro Case: He died without knowing his grandson – Cofina Media
Argument of the case Rui Pedro refutes accusation that alleges that suspect does not have alibi – Publico
“I swear by the health of my son that I did nothing” – Publico
Prostitute confirms meeting with Rui Pedro – TSF News
Prostitute says that defendant took Pedro the day of the disappearance – JN
Inspector believes that Rui Pedro is still alive – Expresso
Mother of Rui Pedro fed the serum – CM
“I too could have been missing” – JN
MP and Rui Pedro’s parents demand a repeat of the trial – Publico
Rui Pedro: Final allegations scheduled for January 26 – TSF News
Man sentenced to jail for kidnapping missing Rui Pedro – Portugal Resident
Mother of Rui Pedro: “I feel such a great revolt” – Flash!
Mother of Rui Pedro “revolted” with liberation of Afonso Dias – Flash!
Afonso Dias believes that Rui Pedro is alive – Diario de Noticias
Rui Pedro disappeared 20 years ago and only convicted of this case reaffirms innocence – Observador
Filomena Teixeira: “He [Afonso Dias] could put himself in my place, he also has a son…” – Caras
Rui Pedro’s mother makes new emotional appeal – Sapo
Rui Pedro’s family sends video to police due to similarities – Sabado
For Pedro, on his birthday – CM
Rui Pedro’s mother marks her son’s birthday with a touching message – Impala News
Guilty after six-year trial, Portugal’s high-society paedophile ring – Independent
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