A 16-year-old girl was allegedly abducted and killed by her stepfather in an apparent murder-suicide in Acton, Massachusetts. Authorities identified the stepfather as 49-year-old Juliano Santana, who was previously charged with raping the teenager and had a restraining order against him.
Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan and Acton Police Chief James Cogan announced in a joint statement that the incident happened on the afternoon of May 30, 2024. The teenager was walking home from school on Great Road near her residence when Santana reportedly forced her into his vehicle. The pair were later found dead in Santana’s car in a parking lot outside her home, both from apparent gunshot wounds.
“The victim called a sibling from the parking lot, saying Santana had abducted her,” shared the manager at Donelan’s Markets, where the car was located. The family immediately contacted the police, who tracked Santana using a GPS monitoring device he was ordered to wear due to the pending criminal case.
In September 2021, the mother and sister of the victim reported that Santana had sexually assaulted her multiple times, beginning when she was around 11 years old. A day later the victim told her story; and added that after the first assault, Santana told her not to be scared and not to tell her mom. “He added that the encounter was bad and, if she told anyone, his relationship with her mother would end.” Santana was subsequently arrested and charged with three counts of child rape and two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14.
At his arraignment, he was released on $30,000 bail with strict conditions, including using a GPS device, no contact with the victim, and no unsupervised interactions with anyone under 18. His wife had told police that she was afraid he would run away, even to his native Brazil. Despite these measures, the restraining order and ongoing criminal case were insufficient to prevent this tragedy.
“Our thoughts are with the student, their family, friends, and our staff,” stated Peter Light, superintendent of Acton-Boxborough schools. “We have implemented a plan that includes school counselors to support students and staff.”
The victim’s trial against Santana was scheduled for July 29, 2024. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The Middlesex County District Attorney’s office and Acton Police continue investigating the incident. Authorities have emphasized the importance of reporting any signs of abuse and have provided resources for those in need.
