Porto Alegre, Brazil — In a tragic case surrounding a family gathering in southern Brazil, a woman has been arrested in connection with the poisoning deaths of three relatives who consumed a Christmas cake she allegedly laced with arsenic. The incident, which has shattered a family and shocked the local community, occurred on December 23 during a holiday celebration.
The suspect, identified as Deise Moura, was detained by police at the residence she shares with her husband, Diego, in Nova Santa Rita, Rio Grande do Sul. Moura is facing charges of triple murder and attempted murder following the incident that left her mother-in-law, Zeli Dos Anjos, critically ill and still hospitalized.
Authorities said the cake was prepared by Dos Anjos, who brought the dessert to her sister Maida da Silva’s apartment for the party. Shortly after consuming the cake, attendees reported a bitter and unusual taste, followed by severe vomiting. The family quickly required medical attention, and ambulances were called to the scene.
The victims included Dos Anjos’ two sisters, Maida da Silva, 58, and Neuza Dos Anjos, 65, as well as Neuza’s daughter, Tatiana Dos Santos, 43, who all succumbed to the effects of arsenic poisoning within hours of eating the cake. Neuza’s husband, Joao, did not partake in the dessert and was unharmed, while other family members received medical treatment but survived.
This incident has prompted further investigation into past events involving the family, including the recent death of Dos Anjos’ first husband, Paulo Luis, who died under suspicious circumstances after consuming contaminated food. Officials plan to exhume his body for additional testing, suspecting a possible connection between his death and the recent poisoning.
Local police are exploring motivations behind the poisoning, suspecting that longstanding disputes within the family may have played a role. Community members and relatives have expressed their dismay and confusion over the incident, with one family member stating the arrest has left them in shock, never suspecting someone so close could be capable of such an act.
As the community grapples with this horrific event, the focus remains on the ongoing investigation and the recovery of those affected. The case serves as a stark reminder of the hidden tensions that can exist within families, leading to unimaginable consequences. Police and forensic teams continue to piece together the events that led to this tragic Christmas gathering, hoping to provide some closure to the bereaved family and justice for the victims.