POUSO ALEGRE, Brazil (AP) - The estranged husband of a Louisiana woman who disappeared in 2013 has been arrested in Brazil, authorities said.
Brazilian Federal Police told news outlets that Sean Grebinger, 48, was arrested Tuesday in Pouso Alegre in connection with the disappearance of his wife Crystal Grebinger, who was last seen leaving a shelter for battered women on Feb. 8, 2013. Authorities say they believe she is dead, but her body has not been found. Brazilian police said evidence presented to them by United States authorities links Sean Grebinger to her death.
Court records show the couple’s 16-year marriage was tumultuous. According to records, Crystal Grebinger said her husband threatened to kill her with a box cutter in 2002 but the two later reconciled. Crystal Grebinger filed multiple protective orders against her husband and she filed for divorce three times.
The FBI told Brazilian authorities Sean Grebinger flew to São Paulo two weeks after his wife went missing. A warrant was issued for his arrest in October 2013 after he missed an arraignment regarding a protective order violation against his wife.
Sean Grebinger married a woman in Brazil and obtained permanent residency. Brazilian police said he’s been accused of domestic violence against his Brazilian wife.
Grebinger will remain in Brazilian custody until he’s extradited to the U.S. It’s unclear whether he has an attorney who could comment on his behalf.
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