Woman Accused of Poisoning Christmas Cake Found Dead in Brazilian Prison

A Brazilian woman accused of fatally poisoning three family members with a Christmas cake was discovered dead in her prison cell, authorities confirmed.

Deise Moura dos Anjos, who had been awaiting trial for multiple homicide charges, was found unresponsive during a routine morning check at a women’s state prison in Guaíba, Rio Grande do Sul. Prison officials stated that emergency medical services were immediately contacted, but she was pronounced dead upon their arrival. Investigations into the circumstances of her death are now underway by the Civil Police and forensic experts.

Her sudden death comes just one day after her husband, Diego, reportedly requested a divorce, adding another layer of intrigue to an already shocking case.

The Poisoned Christmas Cake

The tragic poisoning incident took place on Christmas Eve in the city of Torres, where three people lost their lives, and three others were hospitalized after consuming a homemade cake laced with arsenic. Forensic analysis revealed that the flour used to bake the cake contained arsenic levels 2,700 times higher than the legal safety limit.

Among the deceased was Zeli dos Anjos, Deise’s mother-in-law, who had prepared the cake. Authorities charged Deise Moura dos Anjos with triple homicide and three counts of attempted homicide, pointing to long-standing conflicts within the family as a potential motive. Reports indicated that she had been at odds with her in-laws for over two decades.

Ongoing Investigation

With Deise’s unexpected death, new questions have emerged. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of suicide, though foul play has not been officially ruled out either. The investigation will seek to determine whether her death was self-inflicted or if there were external factors involved.

Cases like these highlight the devastating impact of family conflicts spiraling into violence. The shocking nature of the crime has captured widespread attention, leaving many to wonder what truly led to such a harrowing chain of events.