A police officer’s mother has been fatally shot, allegedly by her husband, who is also a police officer.
Corporal Liana de Souza Vaz Fernandes was shot in the head at her parent’s house after leaving her partner a few weeks prior.
The suspect, Corporal Júlio Barcelos da Luz, was found dead in the house from what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Liana’s family members say the suspect refused to accept that his relationship with her was over.
The murder-suicide occurred on 28 April in the Sepetiba area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Two firearms were seized at the scene, and tests will be carried out to determine which one was used.
Liana had moved into her parent’s home after deciding to leave her husband. She had reportedly started divorce proceedings against him and filed a restraining order for alleged assault days earlier. The couple had a six-year-old daughter together.
According to a neighbour, Júlio arrived at the house asking to spend time with his daughter, claiming that he hadn’t seen her in a while. When Liana turned her back, the suspect fired his gun, according to the neighbour.
He was allegedly under the influence of prescription drugs and alcohol.
Witnesses said that Liana’s father collapsed and needed medical attention after hearing about his daughter’s death.
Liana and Júlio had been together for over 10 years but only got married in early 2023.
Liana was assigned to the 14th Military Police Battalion in the Bangu neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro, while her ex-partner worked at the 5th BPM in Praça da Harmonia.
The investigation into their deaths is ongoing.
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