Lawyer, 31, 'kills her father-in-law and his mother with poisoned cakes'

21 December 2023 , 15:52

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Amanda Partata Martoza has denied tampering with the treats (Image: CEN)

A lawyer has been accused of killing her father-in-law and his mother by poisoning cakes that she purchased from a popular bakery.

Amanda Partata Martoza, 31, is suspected of murdering Leonardo Pereira Alves, 58, and Luzia Alves, 86, after they dropped ill after tucking into the treats. The pair are said to have complained of stomach cramps and reported being sick before they were rushed to hospital. However, they sadly passed away within hours of each other after the mysterious poisoning.

Luzia Alves leaves behind her neice and other family members (Newsflash)

Investigators based in Goiania, in the state of Goias, initially thought the mum and son had died from food poisoning. But in the latest development, Ms Martoza has been arrested by officers after she was accused of tampering with the snacks.

Martoza describes herself on social media as a "psychologist, cognitive-behavioral therapist, retired lawyer and mother." She is said to have had breakfast with the victims after purchasing the cakes from the Perdomo Doces cake shop on December 17. According to local media, she was the only one not to become ill. Following forensic tests on the food, no dangerous bacteria was detected. There have also been no other poison complaints from other customers at the bakery at this time.

Leonardo Pereira Alves died shortly after munching on the food (Newsflash)

Photographs in local media show Martoza with her hands cuffed behind her back being taken into custody by the police on December 20. As she was being walked into the police station she claimed: "I'm innocent, I didn't do this, guys. I didn't do anything."

Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him

Officers from Brazil's State Homicide Investigation Department are continuing to investigate the incident. Leonardo's daughter, doctor Maria Paula Pereira Alves, described her father's condition after eating the cakes. She said he "woke up, ate food purchased from a famous and credible establishment, but ended up feeling sick," reports Brazilian newspaper, Extra Globo.

Speaking about his symptoms, she further added: "He vomited non-stop, for hours, sought medical attention and, when I found out about the situation, a series of complications had already occurred that ended up leading to his death. Between the first symptom and his last breath, there wasn't even 12 hours."

Monica Charsley