Brazilian DJ Dani Brasil Charged With Homicide in São Paulo Crash

Arrest Following Fatal Collision

Dani Brasil, the professional name of 44-year-old Brazilian DJ and producer Daniel Santana de Jesus, was arrested on Friday, October 9 after police attempted to stop his BMW in São Paulo's Santo Amaro neighborhood. According to local media reports, he allegedly refused to obey police orders and fled, driving against traffic before hitting Carlos Alberto Minotti, 57, who was sleeping beneath an elevated subway line.

Minotti became trapped beneath the vehicle and was dragged approximately 1,300 feet before the car struck a gymnasium wall. He was transported to a hospital in critical condition and later died from his injuries.

Intoxication and Medication Cited

Santana de Jesus was reportedly intoxicated at the time of the crash, with a blood alcohol level equivalent to approximately 0.15% BAC. He also acknowledged consuming alcohol alongside zolpidem, a prescription sleeping medication, before driving, according to Brazilian news outlet G1.

Santana de Jesus' lawyers told investigators he had been struggling with the death of his Yorkshire terrier, Scott, whom the DJ mourned in an Instagram post on August 27. They claimed he had been experiencing a panic attack when the crash occurred and has no recollection of the events.

International Career and Legal Proceedings

Known primarily for his remixing work, Santana de Jesus produces house music and has performed internationally across more than 20 countries, according to his website. He DJed at clubs in Miami, New York City, Boston and Chicago in January before delivering a high-profile set at Amsterdam's World Pride Music Festival in July.

Santana de Jesus has been placed in pretrial detention and now faces charges of driving under the influence, disobeying police orders and homicide. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain subject to the ongoing criminal proceedings.