A woman named Karen Grunauer Franco, aged 39, was shot dead after leaving the funeral of former Fluminense player Mario Pineida in the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador, last Saturday (20), reports outlets such as The Sun, Daily Star e The Herald.
She was in the car accompanied by a man when they were intercepted by the criminals’ vehicle, who opened fire in her direction. Karen died at the scene; his companion survived and went to a nearby police station to ask for help.
Karen, who left behind two children, was buried the next day. Authorities stated that she had no criminal record and are now investigating whether her death had any connection to the murder of Mario Pineida, which occurred on December 17.
According to the Mexican newspaper The HeraldKaren Grunauer Franco was known on social media for creating glamor and lifestyle content, including fashion and makeup trends.
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Full-back Mario Pineida — former player for the Ecuadorian national team and Fluminense — was shot dead in Guayaquil last Wednesday (17). He was shot in front of a butcher shop in the Sanales neighborhood; his wife, Guisella Fernández, also died at the scene. According to information obtained by Expressa local newspaper, Karen was friends with Guisella, Pineida’s companion.
He played for Barcelona de Guayaquil and even asked the club for special protection, claiming he was receiving death threats.