The Civil Police of Rio Grande do Sul arrested a man on Monday, March 9, suspected of murdering his partner in São Francisco de Paula, Serra Gaúcha. This incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, March 7, at their home, where the victim, identified as Ianca Soares Diniz, 30, was attacked with a knife. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, fled the scene after the crime, leading to a manhunt that spanned the weekend.

According to investigations, this tragic incident marks the 12th feminicide recorded in Rio Grande do Sul for 2026, raising alarm over gender-based violence in the region. Just in January alone, 11 women were reported killed by intimate partners or ex-partners, indicating a concerning trend. The police initiated inquiries immediately following the crime, with forensic teams from the General Institute of Forensics (IGP) conducting investigations at the scene, highlighting the severity of the situation and the commitment of authorities to respond to such acts of violence against women.

The couple, originally from Paraíba, had only recently moved to São Francisco de Paula. The rapid police response and subsequent arrest underscore the ongoing fight against feminicide and the importance of public awareness around domestic violence. As communities grapple with this ongoing issue, law enforcement and social services are called upon to strengthen support and protections for vulnerable individuals.