Former Mixmag editor Dom Phillips and activist Bruno Araújo Pereira were tragically murdered while conducting research for Phillips’ book, How To Save The Amazon.

A case that has lingered for nearly two and a half years has reached a conclusion, as Rubens Villar Coelho has been charged with orchestrating the murder of journalist Dom Phillips and activist Bruno Araújo Pereira.

Phillips and Pereira were traveling in the remote western Amazon Rainforest, gathering insights for Phillips’ forthcoming book, How To Save The Amazon. Authorities in the Amazonian town of Manhaus released a statement indicating that eight men were identified as conspirators in the murders, retaliating against their investigative efforts. Brazilian publication O GLOBO has named Villar Coelho as the mastermind behind the plot.

Known by the alias Colômbia, Villar Coelho allegedly operated a drug trafficking operation disguised as a fishing business, among other illegal activities. According to the police report, he was responsible for supplying ammunition for the crime, financing the criminal group’s operations, and coordinating the concealment of the victims’ remains.

Phillips, who was formerly the editor of Mixmag, had focused on environmental issues and the rights of indigenous communities in Brazil since 2007. His book, How To Save The Amazon, is set to be published posthumously.

Pereira had a background with the Brazilian government and dedicated his career to advocating for uncontacted tribes. A leader from the Javari community, Beta Marubo, expressed skepticism about whether the authorities would enhance security in the region following the deaths of Pereira and Phillips, as reported by The Guardian.

“Who is financing these individuals, allowing them to persist in their criminal endeavors?” Marubo questioned. “What is the reason behind the support from so many politicians in the area for these criminals? Why does this criminal organization continue to operate within the region?”