What happened
Eight-year-old Joana Cipriano disappeared from the Algarve village of Figueira in 2004 and has never been found.
The investigation
The investigation focused on her mother, Leonor Cipriano, and uncle João Cipriano. The inquiry later became controversial because of allegations concerning police treatment and the absence of a recovered body.
What the courts or investigators concluded
Both relatives were convicted in connection with Joana’s death and concealment, although important details of what happened remain disputed.
Why the case remains significant
The case remains sensitive because a criminal conviction coexists with the permanent absence of the child’s remains and controversies surrounding investigative methods.
Case context
Crime by Region organizes cases geographically so readers can move from one file to other investigations from the same country. For unresolved or contested cases, the wording above reflects the distinction between confirmed events, investigative theories and findings actually established in court.