SÃO PAULO, SP, BRAZIL — A female Brazilian law student has been arrested in a sweeping investigation into a string of poisonings that resulted in multiple deaths — including that of a woman who allegedly uncovered and exposed her secret affair with a married military police officer.
Allegations and timeline of killings
Authorities say Ana Paula Veloso Fernandes, 36, carried out at least four murders between January and May 2025, across São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro states.
Her suspected modus operandi: lacing food or drinks with poison and manipulating circumstances to mislead investigators.
One of the most alarming aspects of the case is the claim that she tested her chosen toxin by killing ten dogs beforehand — a detail reported in multiple media outlets.
In one early incident, Fernandes allegedly moved into the home of Marcelo Hari Fonseca under the guise of renting a room. Four days later, Marcelo was dead, and his body was found decomposing. Fernandes is said to have hidden the corpse in her home for five days, burning furniture in an attempt to conceal traces and odors.
Another victim was Maria Aparecida Rodrigues, known as "Mara," who had been in a romantic relationship with Fernandes since early 2025. During their relationship, Mara discovered that Fernandes was having an affair with a married military police officer and threatened to expose it to the officer’s wife. Before she could, Fernandes killed her, by poisoning a piece of cake, then tried to frame the officer for her murder.
A third case involves Neil Correia da Silva, a father of one of Fernandes’s law school classmates, who allegedly died after eating tainted food. Investigators say the crime may have been commissioned by the victim’s daughter, Michelle Paiva de Queiroz, who allegedly paid Fernandes for the deed.
The fourth known victim is Hayder Mhazres, a 21-year-old Tunisian man who had been romantically involved with Fernandes. After their breakup, she is alleged to have faked a pregnancy and poisoned him via a milkshake, resulting in his death.
Records show that in each case, Fernandes was the last person to see the victim alive and often the first to notify authorities, drawing suspicion from investigators.
Investigation, motive, and personality profile
Police have described Fernandes as “extremely manipulative” and remorseless, suggesting she derived pleasure from the control and execution of her crimes.
Once considered a suspect, she is now in custody as forensic teams await toxicology results from exhumed bodies.
Her twin sister, Roberta Cristina Veloso Fernandes, and the accused middleman Michelle Paiva da Silva were also arrested, ostensibly for aiding in the crimes.
