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Prosecutors Seek Exhumation of ‘Human Barbie’ Barbara Jankavski as Homicide Unit Takes Case

Prosecutors are pursuing exhumation to run new tests challenging the earlier overdose ruling.

Overview

  • The Public Prosecutor’s Office requested court approval to exhume Jankavski’s body for neck imaging and DNA testing under her fingernails, with authorization still pending.
  • A Dec. 5 court order reassigned the investigation to São Paulo’s Homicide and Personal Protection Department after prosecutors questioned initial findings.
  • Police and forensic reports on Dec. 2 attributed her Nov. 2 death to cardiac arrest from excessive cocaine use.
  • Prosecutors and the family cite neck marks and other injuries they say could indicate mechanical asphyxiation and possible assault.
  • Jankavski, 31, was found unresponsive in public defender Renato de Vitto’s home; he told police he hired her, said they used cocaine, and reported attempting CPR as officers noted visible injuries.