A tragic incident has rocked the Ipiranga neighborhood of São Paulo, where a mother and daughter died after allegedly consuming a poisoned birthday cake delivered by a relative.
The victims, Ana Maria de Jesus, 52, and her daughter Larissa de Jesus Castilho, 21, were rushed to the hospital after eating a slice of cake brought to them by Leonardo, the husband of Ana’s niece, Patricia. Both women died shortly after, and toxicology reports revealed the presence of pesticides in their systems.
Authorities suspect the poisoning may be linked to a financial dispute. Ana Maria was known to have lent money regularly to Patricia and Leonardo. Investigators uncovered disturbing online searches on Leonardo’s phone, including “heart attack causes convulsions,” while Ana had searched for “intoxication from cleaning product” shortly before her death.
Despite mounting evidence, a judge has denied police requests to arrest the suspects, citing reasons that remain undisclosed. The case has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for stricter enforcement against domestic poisoning and financial abuse.