Remains of missing actor have been found in a trunk in Brazil

The body of South American soap actor Jefferson Machado has been found stuffed inside a trunk.

The family's attorney Jairo Magalhae Pereira confirmed his passing on Facebook, revealing that the body exhibited signs of strangulation. He did not however confirm the cause of death.

“It is with regret that I share the sad news of the passing of actor Jeff Machado, whose body was found with strangulation signs," the statement read. "This discovery confronts us with the cruelty present in our society, motivating us to seek truth and justice in the face of such impactful cases.”

“Preliminary information indicates that the actor's body was found in a trunk, buried in a hole of considerable depth. This situation deeply saddens us and indignant in the face of the suffering faced by Jeff,” the statement continues.

He continued that he is committed to "seek tirelessly for truth and justice" and to ensure that those who did this crime will be "held accountable and punished."

According to a report by R7, the remains of the 44-year-old star—who was reported missing from his home in Rio de Janeiro in January—were discovered inside a trunk that was encased in cement and buried outside the home of Machado's friend. That friend is now being investigated.

Machado's TV credits include Reis and Efeito Placebo, which he co-wrote.