Former UFC Fighter Pepey Castro Dies in Jail

Former UFC fighter Godofredo "Pepey" Castro, a 38-year-old Brazilian mixed martial artist, was found dead in his cell at the Broward Sheriff's Office main jail in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, over the weekend. Authorities described the death as an apparent suicide, with no signs of foul play suspected.

Castro was discovered unresponsive around 8 p.m. during a routine check by deputies, a jail spokesperson told reporters. He had a bedsheet around his neck at the time. Jail medical staff responded immediately and transported him to Broward Health Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. An official cause of death remains pending as investigations continue.

Castro had been held without bond since his arrest on June 30 in nearby Deerfield Beach. He faced multiple charges related to domestic violence, including kidnapping, battery, domestic violence by strangulation, and witness tampering. According to a police report, the incident stemmed from an argument with his wife, Samara Mello, over a jealousy issue. When she attempted to leave the home and contact someone, Castro allegedly took her phone, dragged her inside by her hair, and choked her until she lost consciousness three...