The Lead Masks Case refers to the inexplicable death of two electronic technicians, Manoel Pereira da Cruz and Miguel José Viana. Their bodies were discovered by a kite flyer on the Vintem Hill in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 20 August, 1966. Due to the harsh terrain, the bodies could not be reached until the following day. The two men were discovered laying side by side, partially covered by grass.They were both wearing formal suits, raincoats, and a bizarre lead eye mask. Beside the bodies was an empty water bottle, a notebook, and two soaked towels. Inside the notebook was a mysterious note which read: “16:30 be at the specified location. 18:30 ingest capsules, after the effect protect metals await signal mask.” There was absolutely no sign of trauma on either of the bodies nor was there any evidence of a struggle. During the autopsy, the cause of death could not be determined and no drugs were uncovered in their system.
Investigators were baffled by their seemingly unexplained and bizarre death. After questioning the two men’s friends, they came across one who had claimed that they were members of a “scientific spiritualist” group and that they had been attempting to contact aliens and spirits. Many conspiracy theorists believe they succeeded.
