Convicted murderer arrested in Framingham

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Convicted murderer arrested in Framingham Saturday, February 17, 2007
Norman Miller 508-626-3823 Metrowest Daily News
FRAMINGHAM - A man convicted of murder in Brazil more than two years ago was arrested yesterday in his Howard Street apartment by federal immigration officials.

Vander Pedro Silveira's arrest was the third in Framingham since 2005 of an illegal Brazilian immigrant convicted of murder in his home country, according to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.

"This case illustrates a significant danger of illegal immigration," said Bruce M.  Foucart, special agent in charge of ICE's investigations office in Boston.  "These three treacherous fugitives were living openly in a suburban Massachusetts community.  Convicted murderers from other countries who are fugitives are serious public safety threats within the United States, and ICE will use all available resources to track them down."

Silveira, 42, was convicted in absentia in August 2004 of killing Gilson Dias Coelho during an argument in 1999 in the village of Corrego Do Guiavo, which is near the city of Tarumrim, Brazil.

Silveira shot the other man because of an accident involving the victim's ex-wife, ICE spokesman Michael W. Gilhooly said.

Silveira fled Brazil in 2003 and came to Framingham, Gilhooly said.

"What he told us is he lived in the Framingham area in 1993 and 1994 and then returned to Brazil, and came back here in 2003," Gilhooly said.

Silveira's arrest was the result of to an anonymous tip, Foucart said.

He said ICE set up a tip line, 866-DHS2ICE (866-347-2423), because many illegal immigrants are afraid to report known criminals because of fears they might be deported themselves.

"We need to get the word out that they can call the tip line we have, because the public is a great tool," Foucart said.

After ICE confirmed with Brazilian officials that Silveira was wanted on a warrant, agents arrested him without incident around 5:30 a.m. at his 27 Henry St. residence.

Framingham Police have only had contact with Silveira once, back in 1994 when he said he was the victim of a crime, Framingham Police spokesman Lt. Paul Shastany said.

Silveira, who lived at 52 Arlington St. in 1994, told police he was approached by a woman on Gordon Street who offered to perform a sex act for money.  When he declined, the woman took his wallet.

Last June, Joao Gabriel Da Silva, a convicted Brazilian murderer, was arrested in Framingham.  Rodrigo Barros, also convicted of murder in Brazil, was arrested in Framingham in March 2005.

Silveira will be held at a detention center pending a deportation hearing.  The date of the hearing has not been set, Gilhooly said.

 

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