Pedro Rodrigues Filho: The Chilling Tale of Brazil's Infamous Vigilante Serial Killer

Pedro Rodrigues Filho, infamously known as "Pedrinho Matador" or "Killer Petey," remains one of the most notorious figures in Brazil’s criminal history. Born on October 17, 1954, in Minas Gerais, Brazil, Rodrigues became infamous for his brutal acts of violence — crimes that were made unique by his most common choice of victims: other criminals.

His complex and terrifying legacy continues to intrigue and disturb true crime enthusiasts around the world. That being said, he did not only kill other criminals, or "the worst of the worst" (as some might claim).

A Troubled Beginning

Rodrigues’ early life was marked by violence and trauma. Raised in an abusive household, his exposure to brutality began at a young age. His violent tendencies surfaced alarmingly early — by the age of 13, he reportedly made his first murder attempt, allegedly trying to kill his own father, who had (again, allegedly) subjected him and his family to relentless abuse. This formative experience would set the stage for a life defined by vengeance and bloodshed.

The Start of a Killing Spree

By the age of 14, Rodrigues had fully embarked on his killing spree, driven initially by revenge. His first confirmed murders were allegedly in retaliation against those responsible for his father's wrongful dismissal from a school job. These early killings revealed a pattern that would define Rodrigues’ criminal career: he saw himself as an enforcer of a twisted version of justice.

Like fictional characters such as Harry Brown (played by Michael Caine) or Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), Rodrigues operated under the belief that he was delivering justice by eliminating society’s so-called undesirables. He targeted drug dealers, gang members, and other criminals, earning himself a reputation as a vigilante killer.

However, despite his self-appointed mission of retribution, his actions were anything but heroic — they were violent, gruesome, and utterly unlawful. It's also true that, on a few occasions, he murdered people out of anti-transgender bigotry (something only acceptable to fascists).

Patricide and Escalation

One of the most chilling episodes in Rodrigues’ life came when he murdered his own father. His father had been imprisoned for the brutal killing of Rodrigues’ mother. In a horrifying act of vengeance, Rodrigues visited his father in prison, where he stabbed him 22 times. Disturbingly, he reportedly cut out a piece of his father's heart and chewed on it — an act that underscored the depths of his rage and disturbed psyche.

Life Behind Bars

Rodrigues was first arrested in 1973, and even imprisonment did not curb his violent tendencies. While incarcerated, he confessed to committing dozens of additional murders — targeting fellow inmates, many of whom were convicted criminals themselves. It is estimated that Rodrigues killed over 47 prisoners while serving time, bringing his total alleged body count to over 100 victims.

Despite Brazil’s legal cap on prison sentences, which was set at 30 years at the time (now extended to 40 years), Rodrigues’ continued violence while in prison extended his sentence. He ultimately spent 42 years behind bars, becoming a grim legend within Brazil’s prison system.

A Surprising Attempt at Redemption

After his release from prison in 2018, Rodrigues attempted to reinvent himself. Surprisingly, he turned to social media, starting a YouTube channel where he spoke openly about his violent past and advocated for crime prevention. He presented himself as a reformed man, offering cautionary tales and insights into his criminal mindset.

However, despite these efforts at redemption, Rodrigues’ violent legacy remained a heavy shadow over his attempts at change. The brutal nature of his crimes was impossible to forget, and his reputation as a killer haunted him until his final days.

Death and Legacy

In 2023, at the age of 68, Pedro Rodrigues Filho met a violent end himself. He was reportedly murdered in Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, a fittingly grim conclusion to a life steeped in bloodshed.

Rodrigues remains a haunting figure in the world of true crime. Often compared to fictional vigilantes, his story is a stark reminder that real-life violence leaves no room for romanticism. His supposed "eye for an eye" philosophy led to unimaginable suffering and left a lasting scar on Brazilian society.

His life has inspired documentaries, books, and countless true crime discussions, serving both as a case study of psychological trauma and a cautionary tale of how cycles of violence can spiral uncontrollably. In the end, Pedro Rodrigues Filho’s story is not one of justice — but of tragedy, brutality, sadism, and the dark depths of violence in the name of human vengeance.