Three individuals died after consuming a Christmas cake laced with arsenic; family members noticed an unusual taste before the tragedy. Zeli’s daughter-in-law has been arrested on murder charges as investigations reveal high arsenic levels in the victims’ bodies. Police are revisiting another family death linked to food poisoning.
A tragic incident stemming from the consumption of a homemade Brazilian Christmas cake has resulted in the deaths of three individuals and the subsequent arrest of a family member. Authorities report that Tatiana Denize Silva dos Anjos, Maida Berenice Flores da Silva, and Neuza Denize Silva dos Anjos all succumbed after ingesting the cake, customarily known as Bolo de Natal, which was allegedly contaminated with arsenic. Family members indicated noticing a peculiar and unpleasant flavor prior to the fatalities, raising suspicions about the cake’s safety.
The victims suffered from severe illness immediately following their consumption of the cake on December 23, leading to their deaths. Additionally, another family member, Zeli Terezinha Silva dos Anjos, is currently in intensive care, while a 10-year-old boy has been discharged from the hospital. Brazilian police have arrested Zeli’s daughter-in-law, identified as “Deise,” on charges of triple homicide and triple attempted homicide, following investigations that revealed significant levels of arsenic in the victims’ systems. Authorities are now reviewing prior unexplained deaths within the family, including that of Zeli’s late husband, Paolo Luiz, who passed away from suspected food poisoning earlier this year.
The incident has drawn significant attention in Brazil, particularly because of the alarming nature of the deaths linked to a traditional holiday cake. Bolo de Natal is typically enjoyed during the Christmas season, but this case underscores the potential dangers associated with food safety and poisonings. Arsenic, a naturally occurring but highly toxic substance, was found in alarming concentrations in the victims, which has prompted authorities to investigate the flour used in the baking process. Additionally, preliminary reports have uncovered a concerning digital footprint relating to the suspect, indicating searches for “arsenic” prior to the incident.
This unfortunate event highlights the critical importance of food safety and the potentially devastating consequences of poisoning within the family setting. Authorities are continuing their investigations to ensure accountability and to prevent such tragedies from recurring. The reopening of inquiries into previous deaths emphasizes the need for vigilance and scrutiny in circumstances that may initially appear harmless.
Original Source: people.com
