A Rio de Janeiro BJJ instructor has been arrested and charged with domestic violence – after allegedly assaulting his partner in a brutal attack that left her with severe injuries, including a broken nose and extensive bruising.

Weniton Barker Modesto was taken into custody Friday evening at the gym where he teaches, located in Tijuca, just hours after the alleged assault took place at the couple’s home in Mangueira, in Rio’s North Zone.

According to investigators, the confrontation quickly escalated into physical violence, with Modesto allegedly striking his partner multiple times and threatening to kill her before fleeing the scene.

The victim managed to contact emergency services and was transported to Souza Aguiar Municipal Hospital, where she received treatment for her injuries.
Afterward, she filed a formal police report.

Police located Modesto later that same evening at his gym. Upon arrest, he reportedly confessed to the altercation but attempted to downplay the assault.

Here is what Chief Maíra Rodrigues, who led the investigation, had to say:

He said there was a disagreement and claimed he was also assaulted by his partner.

However, from the moment we arrived, he said: “I know I had a disagreement with my wife”, showing he understood exactly why we were there.

Authorities expressed skepticism toward Modesto’s version of events:

The problem is that the entire version he presented is not compatible with the injuries the victim suffered – especially the broken nose and bruising across her body.

Modesto has been formally charged under Brazil’s Maria da Penha Law, which provides enhanced penalties for domestic violence.

He now faces prosecution for bodily harm and making threats.

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