Woman Who Became a Cop Arrests Her Father’s Killer 25 Years Later: A Story of Perseverance and Justice
For 25 years, Gislayne Silva de Deus carried the weight of her father’s murder, a crime that left her family shattered and her young heart full of questions. But in September 2024, after a relentless pursuit for justice, she finally came face-to-face with the man who took her father's life—a man who had eluded authorities for over two decades.
What makes this story so powerful is not only the justice served but the sheer determination of a daughter who refused to give up.
In February 1999, Gislayne was only nine years old when her father, Givaldo de Deus, was shot dead in their hometown of Boa Vista, Brazil. The murder was a result of a petty argument over a small debt—only $66.
Raimundo Alves Gomes, the killer, had confronted Givaldo over the debt at a local bar. When Givaldo attempted to settle the debt with a freezer, Gomes rejected the offer and returned later, armed with a gun. A fight ensued, and Gomes fatally shot Givaldo at point-blank range. The shock of losing her father at such a young age left a permanent scar on Gislayne, but it also sparked a determination in her to seek justice.
Determined to avenge her father's death, Gislayne pursued a path that would give her the tools she needed to bring her father’s killer to justice. At the age of 18, she went to law school, later working as a lawyer.
But the desire for justice wasn’t just theoretical—Gislayne wanted to actively track down the man who had escaped justice for so long. So, she took the police entrance exam and eventually became an officer, even requesting to be assigned to the homicide division.
Years passed, and although an arrest warrant had been issued for Gomes in 2019, he remained at large. For Gislayne, it was personal. “I always imagined the day he would finally pay for what he did,” she said.
Her unyielding dedication finally bore fruit in September 2024 when she and her team located Gomes in Boa Vista, a city in Brazil’s northern Roraima state.
On the day of his arrest, Gislayne confronted the man who had altered the course of her life forever. Standing face-to-face with her father's killer, she said, “It’s because of me that you are here, and you are now going to pay.
” This was no ordinary arrest for Gislayne—it was the culmination of 25 years of pain, perseverance, and longing for justice.
For Gislayne, this moment represented more than just an arrest—it was a cleansing. “With his arrest, I washed my soul and that of my whole family,” she later remarked. "Today, we have peace and the feeling that justice has been done.
"
The arrest of Gomes not only brought closure to Gislayne’s family but also sent a powerful message to the community. This was not just about one woman's quest for justice; it was about the power of perseverance and the importance of holding criminals accountable, no matter how much time has passed. In many ways, Gislayne’s pursuit of justice served as an example to others facing similar tragedies—that no matter how long it takes, justice can be achieved.
Gomes, now 60 years old, had evaded the law for 25 years. In 2013, he was convicted of Givaldo’s murder in absentia, but it wasn’t until 2024 that he was finally captured and sentenced to serve 12 years in prison. Gislayne’s relentless efforts ensured that her father’s killer would finally face the consequences of his actions.
The emotional weight of the arrest was palpable. Gislayne admitted that when she saw Gomes in handcuffs, she couldn’t hold back her tears. “It was an explosion of feelings that turned into tears of relief, as it seemed like this day would never come,” she said. Gislayne also spoke about her father’s legacy, remembering him as an “honest and hardworking man” who had been a loving father to his five children.
Despite the immense tragedy that had befallen them, Gislayne and her siblings stayed on the right path, something she credits to their mother’s resilience and guidance. “What happened could easily have sent us in a different direction,” she noted. “But our mother always taught us to follow the right path.
”
While this story is undoubtedly one of justice, it is also a testament to the importance of mental strength and family support. Gislayne’s unshakable resolve, rooted in her love for her father, kept her going through years of legal studies, police work, and the emotional toll of chasing a fugitive for decades.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder that while the road to justice may be long and filled with obstacles, determination and perseverance can lead to closure and healing.
Gislayne’s story is one of courage, determination, and ultimate justice. What do you think of her journey? Would you have the strength to pursue your loved one’s killer for decades? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.
