The body of a woman known as the “Human Barbie” may be exhumed as authorities looking into her death aim to determine if foul play was involved.
Bárbara Jankavski Marquez, a Brazilian social media influencer dubbed “Boneca Desumana” or “inhuman doll” after undergoing 27 plastic surgeries, passed away in São Paulo, Brazil, last month under mysterious circumstances, as per police reports from November 6.
A report by São Paulo State Military Police revealed that she was found in only underwear with a suspicious injury to her left eye. Prosecutors are now seeking permission to exhume her remains to investigate the possibility of strangulation.
It has been noted that she had marks on her back, with prosecutors suggesting that the injuries and neck marks indicate possible asphyxiation, leading to suspicions of murder.
The request to exhume the body includes plans for X-rays to detect signs of strangulation or bone fractures. Authorities are also keen on examining DNA under her fingernails to determine if she fought off an attacker.
However, the request is pending approval from local courts, and the ongoing investigation is in the hands of São Paulo’s Civil Police. Marquez was discovered at the residence of public defender Renato De Vitto in Lapa.
Initial reports linked her death to a cocaine overdose, but subsequent investigations revealed that it triggered a fatal heart attack. Forensic examinations found no evidence of assault, but Marquez’s family suspects foul play.
In response, legal representatives and the Public Prosecutor’s Office have urged the São Paulo State Department of Homicides and Protection of Persons to take over the inquiry due to signs of potential violence.
Efforts are now underway to locate three individuals present at the scene of her death for interrogation as authorities explore the theory of premeditated murder. No arrests have been made in connection with the influencer’s demise, currently classified as a non-suspicious death.
The Department of Homicide and Protection of Persons has until early March 2026 to conclude their investigation, with the possibility of an extension. Marquez was found deceased at the residence of Renato De Vitto, who alleges he engaged her for sex work.
In his statement, Renato mentioned that both consumed cocaine, and she fell asleep without waking up. Despite his attempts at resuscitation, she remained unresponsive, and her death was confirmed upon the arrival of emergency services.