Poisoned birthday cake claims lives of mother and daughter in Brazil

In São Paulo, Brazil, 52-year-old Ana Maria de Jesus and her daughter, Larissa de Jesus Castilho, died after consuming a slice of birthday cake that tested positive for pesticides, prompting a homicide investigation.

Authorities have identified Ana Maria's niece, Patricia, and her partner, Leonardo, as key suspects. Suspicious online searches on their phones, including "heart attack causes convulsions," have raised alarms, but a judge has denied police requests to arrest them.

The incident unfolded when Ana Maria, who missed a family gathering due to illness, ate the cake delivered by Leonardo.

Shortly afterward, she and Larissa reported severe dizziness and were rushed to Heliopolis Hospital, where Ana Maria was placed on a ventilator. Both died days later, while a 16-year-old cousin who also ate the cake survived.

The São Paulo Secretariat of Public Security confirmed that a homicide unit is handling the case, with search warrants executed on October 8 leading to the recovery of cell phones for analysis.

Investigators suspect a motive related to financial debts, as Ana Maria frequently lent money to Patricia and Leonardo.

This case adds to a troubling trend of poisoning incidents in Brazil, including a Christmas cake tragedy last year that resulted in three deaths. The investigation remains ongoing.