Authorities are investigating the suspicious deaths of two young children, Benjamin, 7, and Maria Valentina, 5, who were found dead on the morning of February 6, 2023, at their home in the Valéria neighborhood of Salvador, Bahia. The tragic incident has raised concerns of possible food poisoning connected to gelatin reportedly prepared by their mother, Iasmin, 23, who is currently hospitalized.
The family first began to experience symptoms consistent with poisoning on February 4, shortly after consuming the dessert. Diarrhea and severe abdominal pain prompted Iasmin to contact her mother for assistance the following day, but by the time help arrived, it was too late for her children.
According to reports, Iasmin noticed her children were unresponsive as she got up to close the window due to rain early on February 6, prompting her to seek immediate medical attention. Tragically, she found her children without signs of breathing.
The Police Civil of Bahia quickly intervened and launched an investigation, awaiting the results of autopsies to determine the cause of death. Initial findings revealed suspicious signs of possible poisoning, and during their examination of the family’s home, authorities discovered rat poison (commonly known as chumbinho), which is typically used for pest control. Though alarming, questions remain as to whether this was the cause or merely part of the investigation.
Family members recounted the harrowing experience, with Iasmin expressing her horrifying realization of her children's condition. "When I went to close the window because it was raining, I noticed the kids weren't breathing," she conveyed. Her own health has been deteriorated, leading to hospitalization following the family’s collective illness.
Jean da Hora, the children’s stepfather, who also ingested the gelatin, initially exhibited similar symptoms but was treated and released. He expressed his shock at the situation, stating, "We all felt ill. The investigations are going to clarify what happened," as he assisted police during their inquiries.
Alexandra, the children's grandmother, provided additional insight. She spoke of Iasmin's frantic phone call on the night before the children's death, where she pleaded for help after realizing her children had fallen gravely ill after consuming the gelatin. "She called me last night, asking to take the kids to the doctor because they had become sick after eating gelatin. By the time she called, she could hardly walk," Alexandra recalled, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The household where the children lived was reportedly experiencing multiple health issues, with the family collectively suffering from gastrointestinal distress around the same time. The exact source of the illness remains unconfirmed as the investigation proceeds, with neighbors and local residents expressing concern over water quality and potential contamination. Some have remarked on the absence of filtered water availability, arguing it might have affected the family's health.
Despite the potential explanations surrounding the deaths, schools and local community members have rallied around the affected family, highlighting the need for increased safety measures and awareness around food safety practices. Parents have voiced their concerns over the safety of food prepared at home and the importance of vigilance over the quality and sources of consumed products.
The investigation remains active as police await more definitive results from medical examinations. It stands as a somber reminder to many about the vulnerabilities surrounding food safety and the dire consequences of negligence. The tragedy leaves the community mourning not only the loss of two innocent children but also prompting discussions about ensuring the safety of food prepared at home.