In a significant development in a disturbing assault case, entrepreneur Carolina Sthela Ferreira dos Anjos has been transferred from the state of Piauí to Maranhão. The transfer occurred on Thursday afternoon, with the suspect being flown out of Teresina in a helicopter operated by the Maranhão Public Security Secretariat. She was handcuffed prior to boarding the aircraft and was escorted by security agents throughout the process.
The suspect had been under surveillance by the Civil Police in Piauí. Authorities located her at a gas station in the São Cristóvão neighborhood of Teresina, near the state's own Public Security Secretariat. According to police officials, she was refueling her vehicle with the apparent intention of fleeing the state. Investigators believed she may have been heading to the Piauí coast or even to the state of Amazonas.
"Her objective was to flee, probably to another state. Right after the incident, she came to Teresina to seek shelter with an uncle who lives here. They were likely planning to leave for another state today," stated Delegate Matheus Zanatta. The suspect's defense team offered a different perspective, claiming she was in Piauí to leave her six-year-old son with trusted individuals, as she had no family in Maranhão to care for the child.
The case stems from allegations that Carolina Sthela assaulted and tortured a 19-year-old domestic worker who is five months pregnant. The victim described a brutal attack involving hair-pulling, punches, and being thrown to the floor. She stated she tried to protect her abdomen during the assault. The violence allegedly continued even after a piece of jewelry, which the employer had accused the worker of stealing, was found in a laundry basket.
The victim further reported being threatened with death if she informed the police about the incident. She also indicated that an unidentified man, described as tall, strong, and dark-skinned, participated in the attack. The Maranhão judiciary issued a preventive arrest warrant for the entrepreneur on Thursday following a request from the Civil Police.
Efforts to apprehend her began on Wednesday when police teams went to her home to summon her for questioning, but she was not present. Only a hastily-called employee was found at the location. Through her legal representatives, Carolina Sthela has stated she is cooperating with the investigation and will present her version of events at the appropriate time. She also expressed her condemnation of any form of violence, particularly against women and vulnerable individuals, and called for no premature judgment while the case is being examined.
Based on reporting from g1.