Ana Paula Veloso Fernandes, a 36-year-old mother and law student from São Paulo, Brazil, is suspected of being a serial killer, allegedly responsible for at least four deaths within a five-month span. Among the victims is her landlord, Marcelo Hari Fonseca, whose decomposing body was reportedly kept in her home for five days.
Police Chief Halisson Ideiao described Fernandes as “extremely manipulative,” suggesting she derives pleasure from killing and exhibits no remorse for her actions. He further warned that she would likely attempt to kill again if released.
Fonseca’s death, which occurred in January, was initially dismissed due to insufficient evidence. However, the case was reopened after Fonseca’s daughter approached the police, who were already investigating Fernandes in connection with other deaths. Fernandes later confessed to the crime, according to police reports.
Fernandes reportedly covered the entrance to the room where Fonseca’s body lay with a sheet to prevent her son and niece from seeing it. She only contacted the police five days later when her son complained about the smell and maggots began appearing in the house. Fernandes claimed she burned the couch where she had stabbed Fonseca to eliminate odors and clean the room.
In addition to Fonseca’s murder, Fernandes is allegedly linked to at least three other deaths between January and May of this year. The primary method of killing was reportedly rat poison. The victims, Maria Aparecida Rodrigues, Hayder Mhazres, and Neil Correa da Silva, were allegedly killed for financial gain and revenge, according to investigators.
Fernandes is also accused of testing the poison on dogs, resulting in the death of at least 10. She is currently in custody while further tests are conducted on the exhumed bodies.