Gunman 'killed married couple as revenge for infecting his family with Covid'

A gunman shot dead a couple before opening fire on their son as revenge for allegedly infecting his family with Covid-19, police say.

The suspect's father and brother both died from the deadly virus after falling ill earlier this year.

Flanklaber Silva e Silva, 40, and his wife, Marília Silva e Silva, 37, were killed after being gunned down in what has been described as an action of vengeance.

They were shot in Itumbiara, in the southern region of Goiás, Brazil, on Tuesday, police have announced.

The suspect, who has not yet been identified, is believed to have fired 20 shots before fleeing the scene.

The couple were gunned down inside a shed where they worked before their son was shot in the leg (Jam Press)

Civil Police claim his action were motivated by revenge after the loss of his father and brother, who died after being struck down by coronavirus.

The suspect ran following the shooting but was arrested hours later after officers tracked him down.

The victims had been working in a large shed when the shooter opened fire.

He shot Mr Silva e Silva in the head, and his wife in the face, it has been reported in Brazillian media.

The woman was rushed to hospital, where she later died of her injuries after he husband was pronounced dead at the scene.

The couple’s son, Flanklaber Silva e Silva Junior, 21, was also shot in the leg suffering a fracture, but is recovering from his injuries.

“They were suffering death threats, as they were accused of having transmitted Covid-19 to the shooter's family,” Felipe Sala of the Itumbiara Homicide Investigation Group said.

“The suspect went to the scene to avenge the death of his relatives.”