Marcelino Bispo de Melo

Marcelino Bispo de Melo (30 June 1875 – 14 January 1898) was a Brazilian military officer who was arrested for the murder of Carlos Machado de Bittencourt, Brazil's Minister of War, and for attempting to assassinate President Prudente de Morais. Marcelino hanged himself in his cell with a bed sheet.

Early life

Marcelino was born to a well-respected caboclo family in Murici. In 1881, Marcelino's father died from injuries sustained from a fall of his horse and in 1890, Marcelino ran away from home when he was 15-years-old. In 1895, Marcelino worked as a railway worker in São José da Lage. He briefly worked as an officer for the Recife municipal police but left and decided to join the Brazilian Army.

Military career Marcelino was initially a private in the 2nd Battalion and was stationed in Pernambuco. Marcelino was then transferred to 33rd Battalion and was stationed in Maceió in June 1896. Marcelino and his battalion then moved to Rio de Janeiro in September 1896.

Death On 14 January 1898, (2 months and 7 days from the assassination), Marcelino was found dead hanging in his cell. He had used a bed sheet to hang himself and he left no note.