Pedro Rodrigues Filho, widely known as Pedrinho Matador or Killer Petey, was a Brazilian serial killer, spree killer, and vigilante, born on October 29, 1954, and tragically passing away on March 5, 2023. His life was marked by extreme violence and a complex criminal history.
Early Life:
Rodrigues was born on a farm in Santa Rita do Sapucaí, Brazil. His troubled childhood included suffering a skull injury when his father kicked his pregnant mother’s belly during a dispute. This violent upbringing likely contributed to his later criminal tendencies. At the age of 13, he had his first violent impulse when he nearly caused his cousin’s death by shoving him into a sugarcane press.
Crime Spree:
Rodrigues’ criminal activities began at an early age. At 14, he shot the deputy mayor of Santa Rita do Sapucaí in retaliation for his father’s unjust firing. He then embarked on a violent path, robbing drug dens and killing drug traffickers. This earned him the nickname “Pedrinho Matador,” or Killer Petey.
He later became involved with a street gang and, after a series of events, embarked on a vengeful killing spree, targeting rival gang members. He even confronted his father in prison, brutally stabbing him 22 times and consuming part of his heart.
1st and 2nd Prison Sentences and Release:
Rodrigues’ criminal acts led to his first arrest at the age of 19. Despite being sentenced to 126 years in prison, he was released in 2007 due to Brazilian laws that limited the time one could spend behind bars.
However, he found himself back in prison in 2011, serving an eight-year sentence for charges related to rioting and deprivation of liberty. He was released in 2018, having served seven years due to good behavior.
YouTube Career:
After his second release from prison, Rodrigues declared that he had reformed and was committed to not engaging in further criminal activities. He transitioned to a surprising new career as a YouTuber, running a channel called “Pedrinho EX Matador.” On his YouTube channel, he discussed contemporary crimes and emphasized the importance of not glorifying criminal actions, working to educate the public about the consequences of criminal behavior.
Death:
Tragically, Rodrigues’ life came to a violent end on March 5, 2023. He was shot and killed by two individuals in a car in Mogi das Cruzes. The assailants quickly fled the scene, and as of now, no suspects have been apprehended in connection with the incident.
Pedro Rodrigues Filho’s life was marked by extreme violence and criminality, but his story took an unexpected turn when he transitioned into the world of YouTube in an effort to discourage criminal behavior. His notoriety even inspired a fictional character, Dexter Morgan, and drew international attention to his life, often being referred to as the “Brazilian Dexter” and the “South American Punisher.” His life and actions remain a dark and complex part of Brazil’s criminal history.