In a perplexing case that has left investigators scratching their heads, a woman tragically lost her life after consuming a piece of chocolate given to her by a palm reader who had ominously predicted her imminent demise. The victim’s cousin, Bianca Cristina, recounted the horrifying sequence of events leading to the untimely death, describing symptoms such as vomiting, blurred vision, and physical weakness that rapidly escalated within a few hours.
The incident took place on August 3 in the bustling city center of Maceió, Brazil, a known hotspot for fortune tellers. The victim, 27-year-old Fernanda Silva Valoz da Cruz Pinto, was approached by an elderly woman who offered to read her palm. After predicting that Pinto had only a few days left to live, the fortune teller handed her a piece of chocolate as a parting gift. Pinto, unaware of any potential danger, consumed the candy.
In the hours following, Pinto began to experience severe symptoms, including vomiting, dizziness, and blurry vision. She communicated her deteriorating condition to her family through text messages, describing a bitter taste in her mouth and a feeling of extreme weakness. Despite her pre-existing health conditions, such as gastritis and an ulcer, her family grew suspicious after learning about her encounter with the fortune teller.
Pinto was rushed to the Santa Casa de Misericordia hospital, where her condition worsened, and she tragically passed away the following day, on August 4. It wasn’t until two months later that the cause of her death was confirmed. Toxicology reports from the autopsy revealed high concentrations of the pesticides sulfotep and terbufos in her system.
Thalmanny Goulart, Head of the Chemistry and Toxicology Laboratory that analyzed her samples, stated that these substances are commonly found in poisoning cases in Brazil due to their easy accessibility, despite being regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply. However, the tests could not definitively link the candy to Pinto’s poisoning.
The family reported the incident to the authorities, who are still trying to identify the palm reader. The case has been registered as “a death to be clarified,” with forensic results pending to confirm suspicions of homicide. Some authorities have speculated that the fortune teller may have been hired to kill Pinto, but the motive remains unclear.
Pinto’s cousin, Lumenita Valoz, expressed her confusion and grief, stating that they could not comprehend why anyone would want to harm Pinto. She leaves behind a 9-year-old daughter with special needs.