Chantal Etiennette Dechaume, a 73-year-old retired doctor originally from France, was discovered deceased within a suitcase in the Manaíra neighborhood of João Pessoa. Local authorities, specifically the Paraíba Civil Police, are treating her death as a case of feminicide, revealing that she was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend, Altamiro Rocha dos Santos. The motivations behind this tragic incident stem from a relationship dispute, as Chantal was reportedly ending their relationship due to Altamiro's drug addiction.

Chantal had chosen to retire in João Pessoa after her medical career, making the city her home. The police investigation has yet to determine the exact year she arrived in Brazil or the duration of her residence in the Paraíba capital. Eyewitness accounts and local reports indicate that Chantal resided in an apartment in the Tambaú neighborhood.

Chantal's murder highlights ongoing issues related to domestic violence and feminicide in Brazil, as the nation grapples with high rates of violence against women. This case has drawn attention not only due to the brutal nature of the crime but also because it involves a foreign national, raising concerns about safety and justice for expatriates living in Brazil.