A Brutal Attack in Broad Daylight
On Sunday, August 16, 2026, at around 1:00 PM, Angelita Manoela Rodrigues, a 33-year-old woman, was waiting in line at the butcher counter of a supermarket in Morro Grande, a neighborhood in the northern zone of São Paulo, Brazil. Her ex-partner, Lafayete Gonzaga da Silva, approached from behind and stabbed her at least three times in the back. The entire incident was captured on surveillance cameras and broadcast on local news.
The attack sent shoppers into panic, including children who witnessed the scene. Gonzaga da Silva attempted to flee but was subdued by customers who threw objects at him, allowing police to arrest him at the scene. He was taken to the 4th Women's Defense Police Station, where he remains in custody charged with femicide.
A Decade of Abuse
Investigations revealed that the relationship between Angelita and Lafayete had lasted ten years, marked by physical violence, public humiliation, and constant threats. A friend and former coworker, Leila Lira, told the Brazilian newspaper Folha de São Paulo that Angelita often arrived at work with bruises. 'Everyone in the company knew,' she said. Leila also recounted that Lafayete had killed Angelita's dog with a knife just days before the murder. Friends had tried to help her escape the abuse, even renting a house for her, but Angelita returned to her abuser out of fear.
Perpetrator's Statement and Legal Proceedings
During his police statement, Gonzaga da Silva expressed remorse but also blamed the victim, saying she had 'ruined his life.' The victim's family has retained a lawyer to ensure the case is prosecuted, while the defense is being handled by attorney Sarha Rosenbaum. A detention hearing is expected in the coming days.
Broader Context: Femicide in Latin America
This tragic case highlights the persistent issue of gender-based violence in the region. According to official data, Brazil recorded over 1,400 femicides in 2025, and the problem remains critical. In Argentina, the Ministry of Women reported 252 femicides in 2025, meaning one woman is killed every 35 hours. The line 144 in Argentina provides free, confidential support for victims of gender violence.
Local organizations and women's rights groups in Brazil have called for stronger protective measures and better enforcement of restraining orders. This incident, occurring in a mundane setting like a supermarket, underscores the urgency of addressing femicide as a societal crisis.