Brazilian police are searching for a gang of skinheads responsible for the torture and murder of a gay teen found in Sao Paulo this month, just blocks away from the the Sao Paulo stadium that will host the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony this summer.

Authorities allegedly believed Kaique Batista dos Santos, 16, originally committed suicide, but suspected foul play after learning that his wallet had been stolen, his teeth had been pulled out with pliers, and his body, disfigured beyond recognition, had endured a battering that eventually led to his death.

The teen was reportedly attending a party at a gay club in downtown Sao Paulo earlier in the evening on Saturday, January 12, before his body was discovered days later. His friends reportedly believed he left the club early because he had to work the next morning. The case is “utterly horrific,” said party organizer Cristiano Pacheco. “He was a quiet kid, everyone loved him. Plucking teeth, iron bars – how can people do that?”

Batista dos Santos’ family believes he was targeted because of his race and sexuality. His sister, Tanya told reporters “These thugs enjoy beating and torturing with their bare hands and they are pleased to take the lives of homosexuals. He had bruises to his head and was probably kicked to death.”

A vigil will be held for Kaique in Largo do Arrouche, a town square, today. Following the vigil, gay rights activists will march from the square to where the body was found.

[Photo: Gay Star News]