Masks

A boy named Jorge da Costa Alves (who was 18 at that time) was flying a kite at the Morro do Vintém (Vintém Hill), in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil when he found two dead men. Immediately, he made his way back home and called the police. Soon the spot was full of police officers, firefighters and journalists.

The bodies were strewn next to each other, slightly covered by the grass. They were wearing suits, and over the suits, impermeable coats. There was no sign of violence to the bodies or the surrounding area. Next to the bodies, the police found an empty bottle of water and a packet containing two towels. However, what has really caught people's attention were the lead masks worn by them. These were typical masks used for protection from heat or radiation, and the case is named after them. To make things more complicated, the policemen found a small notebook with signs and numbers, and also a letter in which was written: "16:30 estar no local determinado. 18:30 ingerir cápsulas, após efeito proteger metais aguardar sinal máscara" (16:30 be at the agreed place. 18:30 swallow capsules, after effect protect metals wait for the mask sign).







The autopsy found no trace of toxic substances, nor any kind of injury. To date, the case remains open.