In a startling occurrence, a model based in New York, her photographer spouse, and their child were kidnapped at gunpoint in Brazil. The family was detained for 12 hours in a makeshift dwelling after being waylaid by armed individuals in the affluent neighborhood of Alto do Lapa in Sao Paulo. The incident transpired on Wednesday evening as the family was departing from a local eatery.
The victims have been identified as Luciana Curtis, a 47-year-old model of Brazilian origin, her husband Henrique Gendre, and their 11-year-old child. The family was coerced into their own car and transported to a wooden shack in Brasilandia. Images procured by Brazilian media depict the shack as minimally furnished with only a mattress, toilet, and sink.
As per a statement from the police, the armed culprits accosted the victims outside the restaurant and took them hostage. The criminals then transferred money from the couple’s bank accounts. The family was eventually set free early on Thursday morning.
In the meantime, the couple’s eldest child, who had not joined them for dinner, sounded an alarm when the family did not return home. This triggered a search by specialist police units. The police statement also mentioned that the criminals deserted the family and escaped during the search operation.
Following their release, the family had to solicit help from local residents. A representative for the model confirmed to local media that the family was safe and sound after the harrowing experience.
Curtis, a native of Sao Paulo, is the daughter of British businessman Malcolm Leo Curtis. She currently lives in New York but often travels between Sao Paulo and London. Curtis, who clinched the Brazilian final of Supermodel of the World in 1993, has graced the covers of Marie Claire and Cosmopolitan magazines. She has also modeled for prestigious brands such as Harrods, H&M, and Victoria’s Secret.