Callum Jones
Former UFC fighter Godofredo 'Pepey' Castro has died in prison aged 38, just months after being arrested on suspicion of assaulting his wife, Samara Mello.
Castro was being held without bond after his arrest on June 30 in Deerfield Beach, Florida. The former UFC fighter also faced two battery charges, as well as kidnapping and tampering with a victim.
Court records show Castro and a female victim got into an argument over a 'jealousy' issue, with Castro accused of taking the victim's phone, dragging her by her hair, and choking her until she lost consciousness.
Prosecutors allege Castro threw the victim to the ground and beat her in the face repeatedly.
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Court proceedings were still ongoing, with Castro denying all the charges against him.
Mello and her lawyer, Gaudenio Santiago, were reportedly informed of Castro's death on Sunday (November 9).
"The death of someone in custody is a serious matter,” Santiago said.
"There are procedures that must be followed by the American authorities, and any and all news will be released by those authorities.
"Until then, I ask for respect for the family, his wife Samara, and that you avoid malicious comments and speculation, so as not to cause further suffering."
A department spokesperson told MMA Junkie that Castro was found unresponsive in his Fort Lauderdale prison cell on Saturday (November 8).
Emergency services were rushed to the scene, though Castro later died at Broward Health Medical Center. Authorities do not suspect foul play.
Tributes have been pouring in for the former UFC fighter, including from some of his former colleagues.
Fellow former UFC fighter Rony Mariano Bezerra penned on Instagram in an emotional statement: "I’m here to bring some terrible news. Unfortunately, we lost our partner, Godfredo Pepey. Very sad to lose this great partner, an unparalleled guy. A partner, a friend, a brother. Wherever you are, may God bless you. I love you brother."
Castro was born in Brazil and competed in UFC 11 times following his cameo in The Ultimate Fighter Brazil Season 1 back in 2012.
The former fighter boasted a 5-6 record in UFC, while he achieved 13-7 overall as a professional.
His last fight as a pro was back in February 2022.
UNILAD has reached out to the Broward Sheriff’s Office for comment.