A Brutal Attack in Broad Daylight
On Sunday, August 16, 2026, around 1:00 PM local time, the town of Morro Grande, in the municipality of Piedade (state of São Paulo, Brazil), became the scene of a femicide that has shocked the entire region. Angelita Manoela Rodrigues was waiting in line at the butcher counter of a local supermarket when her ex-partner, Lafayete Gonzaga da Silva, entered the store and attacked her from behind with a knife, stabbing her at least three times.
The violent episode was captured by security cameras and caused panic among the customers, including several minors. Witnesses attempted to intervene by throwing objects at the attacker, who was eventually subdued by bystanders and the police, who arrived shortly after.
An Announced Death: Years of Gender-Based Violence
Angelita was rushed to the Hospital Brasilândia but died almost immediately due to the severity of her injuries. The investigation is being handled by the 4th Women's Defense Police Station of São Paulo.
Friends and former colleagues have described a ten-year relationship marked by physical and verbal abuse, public humiliation, threats, and isolation. Leila Lira, a friend and former coworker, told the newspaper Folha de São Paulo that the victim 'always went to work with her face full of bruises' and that 'everyone in the company knew it.' Both women worked at a construction company, where Angelita was a cleaning assistant and Lafayete worked as an electrician.
Leila also revealed that the attacker had killed Angelita's dog with knife stabs and, on another occasion, left her on the street and burned all her clothes. Friends had offered her shelter and even rented a house so she could escape, but the couple eventually got back together. 'She had a very good heart; she believed he would change, but she was also very afraid of him and his threats,' Leila lamented.
According to witnesses, Lafayete had been fired from the company for arriving drunk and causing fear among his colleagues. Angelita, for her part, lost her job due to absences resulting from the beatings. 'Her life was a hell,' summarized her friend.
The Attacker: Arrested and Contradictory Statements
Lafayete Gonzaga da Silva was taken to the police station, where he remains in custody. In his initial statement, he claimed to be sorry but also blamed the victim for 'ruining his life.' Angelita's family has hired a lawyer to pursue the case. The defense, led by attorney Sarha Rosenbaum, confirmed that it will focus on the upcoming control hearing.
The case has been officially registered as femicide and remains under investigation.
The community of Piedade said farewell to Angelita's remains on Tuesday at a local cemetery.
Context: Femicide in Brazil
Femicide—the gender-based killing of women—is a persistent issue in Brazil. This tragic incident highlights the ongoing problem of domestic violence and the need for stronger protective measures. São Paulo, Brazil's most populous state, has seen numerous such cases, prompting calls for more effective enforcement of existing laws.
Sources: MinutoUno | TN | Nuevo Diario Web | Radio HRN