After a Store Fight Turned Deadly, Below Deck Down Under Star Joao Franco and Brother Are Arrested
Fight at clothing store
Franco, a captain who appeared on Below Deck Down Under, and Karlos reportedly argued with store employees on Saturday night, November 7, according to Page Six. The dispute began verbally and became physical.
Page Six said it obtained CCTV footage of the incident. In the footage, Karlos appeared to throw the first punch, while Franco seemed to try to separate him from an employee.
Teen employee dies
The altercation continued as other employees became involved. One person went after Franco, who swung back and struck someone; that person fell and remained motionless as the fight ended less than a minute later.
Local reports identified the person who fell as a 17-year-old employee who hit his head on steps. He reportedly suffered a severe head injury and cardiac arrest, was revived by emergency responders, and was taken to hospital in critical condition. Reports said on Monday, November 9, that the teenager died in hospital.
Arrest and show history
Franco and Karlos were arrested and are in prison as they await further steps. The article does not specify what charges, if any, they face. Franco first appeared on Below Deck Mediterranean as a lead deckhand in season three and returned the following season as bosun. He later joined Below Deck Down Under during its second season and returned for season four as second officer and bosun.
Key points
- Joao Franco and his brother Karlos were arrested after a fight at a clothing store in Turkey.
- A 17-year-old employee fell, suffered a severe head injury and cardiac arrest, and later died in hospital.
- CCTV footage described by Page Six appeared to show Karlos throwing the first punch and Franco trying to intervene.
- Franco’s participation in Below Deck Down Under season five has not been confirmed.