Man claims girlfriend died after feeling ill and is arrested on suspicion of femicide in Bahia
A man in Bahia, Brazil, has been arrested on suspicion of femicide after claiming his girlfriend died from feeling unwell, but investigations revealed signs of violence and prior injuries.
A resident of Bahia, Brazil, has been taken into custody after asserting that his girlfriend, Elizangela Cruz Santos, aged 29, succumbed to illness. The Civil Police received an emergency call regarding Santos, discovered lifeless at approximately 3 AM by her partner. Initially, he claimed that she had been drinking heavily for three days without proper nutrition. However, upon examination, medical personnel found evidence indicating potential foul play.
Following a necroscopic examination, it was determined that the immediate cause of Santos's death was acute internal bleeding due to splenic laceration, a condition recognized as highly suspicious in context. Additionally, investigators reported visible bruises and old injuries on her body, against the man's version of events. This prompted authorities to classify the case as a suspected femicide rather than a tragic mishap, leading to further investigation and questioning.
The situation highlights ongoing concerns in Brazil regarding gender-based violence, particularly as reports of femicides remain alarmingly high. With the police delving deeper into the circumstances surrounding Santos's death, this case could serve to draw attention to the critical need for addressing domestic violence and the societal issues contributing to such tragedies within the country. The manβs arrest marks another step in the justice process for victims of violence against women in Brazil, a nation grappling with systemic issues in protecting vulnerable individuals.