The Xavante people believe that a fellow Xavante by the name of Joaquim Maradezurro, who has been missing since April 2, was murdered by local ranch owners. Maradezurro often hunted and fished on areas owned by the ranches, and his bloody clothing was found on the banks of a river that goes through one of the ranches. The Xavante are occupying three ranches in the Primavera do Leste region and threatening to occupy a fourth unless the body of the missing man is produced. National Indian Foundation officials continue to search for him, although Federal Police have withdrawn. Military police have been sent to guarantee the security of the ranchers during their soya harvest.
