The tragic case of Deise Moura dos Anjos, the main suspect behind the poisoning of three family members with arsenic-laced cake, took another somber turn with her recent death.
On the morning of February 13, 2025, Deise was found dead in her cell at the Penitentiária Estadual Feminina de Guaíba, located near Porto Alegre, Brazil. Authorities suspect she may have committed suicide, as she was found alone. Investigators reported signs of mechanical asphyxia, prompting the Civil Police to open an inquiry.
Deise had been incarcerated since early January on suspicions of triple homicide connected to the deadly cake incident during the Christmas family gathering of 2024. Tragically, three women were killed by eating the poisoned cake, which was allegedly made using arsenic-tainted flour. Among the deceased were Maida Berenice Flores da Silva, aged 58, Tatiana Denize Silva dos Santos, 43, and Neuza Denize da Silva dos Anjos, 65, who were closely related to Deise.
The poisoned cake was served during what was meant to be a festive gathering, quickly turning nightmarish as family members began to show symptoms after consuming it. Immediate medical attention confirmed three lives were lost and two others, including Deise's mother-in-law, Zeli, were hospitalized but later stabilized. The devastating effects of the arsenic left relatives reeling from the loss.
Before her death, Deise portrayed herself as a family-oriented woman on social media, often sharing affectionate posts about her children and relatives. Yet, investigators painted a darker picture, portraying her as the mastermind of multiple family poisonings, fueling the narrative of betrayal and suspicion. Evidence collected by police indicated she had purchased arsenic multiple times.
Among the pieces of evidence against her was a receipt found on her phone, confirming her purchase of arsenic, alongside disturbing internet searches such as "poison to kill humans" prior to the poisoning incidents. Delegate Marcos Veloso mentioned during presentations, "Today, I can say with certainty she researched, bought, received, and used poison to kill the victims."
Deise's troubles had reportedly escalated within her marriage to Diego dos Anjos, son of one of the deceased. Family dynamics revealed her strained relationship with her mother-in-law Zeli, with claims stating their relationship had soured significantly over the years. Allegations of jealousy and control issues painted Deise as someone operating with vindictive motives.
Compounding the tragic irony is the fact her death may now end any potential legal accountability for her actions. The deliberate act suggests Deise took the path of least resistance, opting for the silent escape rather than face the consequences of her alleged crimes. According to the Brazilian legal system, her demise would extinguish the criminal proceedings she was facing, leaving many unanswered questions and unresolved grief among the surviving family members.
Deise's death has left the local community and extended family awash with shock and disbelief, as they grapple with how such horrific events could lie at the intersection of familial bonds. Local media continues to cover the developing aftermath closely, awaiting the results of the investigations surrounding her death.
While the judicial process was expected to undertake its course, her death has ignited debates about mental health, familial trust, and the extreme ends to which human relationships can spiral. One can only hope this dire case serves as both sheltering insights and cautions for those entangled within their own complicated familial narratives.
Though the evidence against her had been substantial, now the void cast by her absence presents challenges for investigators and families who remain to navigate their path forward.
With investigations now focusing on the circumstances surrounding her death, authorities aim to untangle the layers of what was once merely suspected to be just another family tragedy turned culpable crime.