In a tragic incident that has shocked the community, two young women, Isabela Priel Regis and Isabelli Helena de Lima Costa, both 18, lost their lives after being struck by a car while crossing a pedestrian crosswalk in São Caetano do Sul, a suburb of São Paulo. The accident occurred on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at approximately 22h55 on Avenida Goiás, a major thoroughfare in the area.
The driver of the vehicle, Brendo dos Santos Sampaio, a 26-year-old law student, was reportedly driving a Honda Civic at a high speed when he hit the two friends. Witnesses claim that Brendo was racing another vehicle, a white Chevrolet Onix, just moments before the collision. Eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage suggest that the victims were thrown about 50 meters from the point of impact, highlighting the severity of the crash.
According to police reports, the traffic light was yellow for vehicles at the time of the accident, while the signal was red for pedestrians. Brendo later confessed to being "a little above" the speed limit of 60 km/h, although he claimed he was traveling between 60 km/h and 70 km/h. A breathalyzer test conducted at the scene confirmed that he was not under the influence of alcohol.
The tragic event unfolded as Isabela and Isabelli were returning home from a celebration at a local bar. They had been out to mark Isabelli's upcoming job, which she was set to start the following week. The two had been friends since high school and were described by family members as inseparable. Claudilene Helena de Lima, Isabelli's mother, expressed her grief, stating, "They died together, as they always were." This sentiment resonates deeply within their community, which is mourning the loss of the two vibrant young lives.
After the accident, Brendo was arrested and charged with homicide with eventual intent, a classification used when a person recklessly engages in dangerous behavior that leads to death. The police investigation revealed that Brendo had a troubling history behind the wheel, with reports indicating he had accumulated 71 points on his driver's license and had been involved in multiple traffic violations, including four serious infractions. His driving record raises serious concerns about his behavior on the road.
As the investigation progresses, legal experts suggest that the evidence of reckless driving will play a crucial role in the prosecution's case. Rafael Felipe Dias, an attorney representing the victims' families, emphasized the importance of holding Brendo accountable for his actions. "This behavior demonstrates a pattern of reckless driving that cannot be overlooked," he stated. The case is expected to proceed to a custody hearing, where Brendo's fate will be determined.
Witnesses have corroborated the claim that Brendo was racing at the time of the incident. A bystander noted that the Honda Civic sped past them just before the accident, suggesting that the driver was engaged in a reckless competition with the Onix. The witness described the Civic as accelerating rapidly at a traffic light, creating a loud noise from the tires as it took off. This behavior is indicative of a dangerous disregard for public safety.
In light of this tragic accident, the city of São Paulo has seen a worrying trend in pedestrian fatalities. Recent statistics show a 30% increase in deaths from pedestrian accidents compared to the same period last year. Between January and February 2025, 53 people were reported killed in similar incidents, with the majority of victims being older adults. Traffic safety advocates are calling for more stringent measures to protect pedestrians, especially in high-traffic areas.
Luiz Vicente Figueira de Mello, a transportation engineering researcher at Unicamp, pointed to the distractions present in today’s urban environments as a contributing factor to the rise in accidents. "It's not just one person who is inattentive; it's the collective behavior of many that leads to these tragic outcomes," he explained.
The community is rallying around the families of Isabela and Isabelli, demanding justice and raising awareness about the dangers of reckless driving. A memorial service is planned to honor the young women, who had their futures ahead of them. As the investigation unfolds, many are left to ponder the implications of speed, distraction, and the responsibility that comes with being behind the wheel.
As for Brendo, he faces serious charges that could lead to significant legal consequences. The outcome of this case will not only affect his life but also serve as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the devastating consequences of reckless driving. The community hopes that by bringing attention to this issue, they can prevent future tragedies and ensure that such reckless behavior is met with appropriate accountability.
The case remains under investigation, and the police are working to gather all relevant evidence to present in court. The families of Isabela and Isabelli are determined to seek justice and ensure that their daughters are remembered not just for their tragic end, but for the bright futures they had ahead of them.
