In a significant development in a disturbing case of alleged abuse, Carolina Sthela Ferreira dos Anjos, the businesswoman suspected of assaulting and torturing a 19-year-old pregnant domestic worker, has been apprehended. Her arrest took place in Teresina, Piauí, marking a crucial step in the ongoing investigation.
According to police intelligence, Carolina had initially sought refuge at her uncle's residence in Teresina after the alleged crime. However, her stay was short-lived. The director of intelligence for the Piauí Public Security Secretariat, Yan Brayner, stated that she left the house after her uncle reprimanded her for the criminal act and even advised her to surrender to the authorities.
The arrest occurred at a gas station in the São Cristóvão neighborhood, near the Public Security Secretariat. Investigators believe she was refueling her vehicle with the intention of continuing her flight. Police intelligence suggested she was potentially heading for the coast of Piauí or the state of Amazonas.
While the uncle cooperated with the police, authorities indicated he could still face charges of personal favoritism for his initial involvement in harboring the suspect. The case has drawn widespread attention due to the severity of the allegations.
The alleged assault occurred on April 17 at Carolina's home in Paço do Lumiar, in the metropolitan region of São Luís, Maranhão. The victim, who is five months pregnant, described enduring hair-pulling, punches, and being thrown to the ground. She reported trying to protect her abdomen during the attack.
The incident reportedly began after Carolina accused the worker of stealing a jewelry ring. Despite a prolonged search, the ring was later found in a basket of dirty laundry. The victim stated that the assaults continued even after the jewelry was located and that she was threatened with death if she reported the incident to the police.
Carolina's defense team offered a different perspective on her presence in Piauí. They claimed she traveled there to leave her 6-year-old son with trusted individuals, as she had no family in Maranhão to care for the child. The defense also asserted that Carolina has no intention of evading justice.
The suspect is now set to be transferred back to São Luís. The operation will be conducted using a helicopter from the Military Police of Maranhão, with the transfer scheduled to take place at the Centro de Formação e Aperfeiçoamento Profissional (Cefap). Based on reporting from g1.