In a tragic incident that has shocked the community of Avaré, São Paulo, a 57-year-old woman renowned for her dedication to animal welfare was fatally shot. The victim, identified as Eurídice Augusta de Souza Michelin, was killed on the night of Tuesday, May 5th. The suspect, a military police officer named José Augusto de Andrade Paifer, has confessed to the crime and is currently in custody.
Eurídice was a familiar figure in her city, celebrated for her deep commitment to the cause of animals. According to her family, she lived in a secluded area near the Jurumirim reservoir with a total of 18 dogs. Her life was profoundly centered on their care and well-being. Following her death, an NGO stepped in to help recollect and secure all of her animals.
The family is reeling from the loss, describing it as a devastating blow that compounds the grief of another family death that occurred just last month. A relative, who wished to remain anonymous, emphasized that the animal cause was Eurídice's entire life. The manner of her death has been described as particularly shocking and has left the family, especially her mother, in a state of revolt and deep sorrow.
Details from the police report reveal the brutal nature of the attack. Eurídice was shot four times in different parts of her body, including a shot to the face. Despite the disfigurement caused by this injury, the family chose to hold an open-casket funeral. A cousin reportedly made an emotional statement at the service, interpreting the facial wound as a symbol of misogyny within the context of the crime.
The family has expressed profound confusion regarding the suspect's alleged motive. They state that no one in their circle was aware of any relationship between Eurídice and the police officer. The officer claimed they had been involved in an extramarital affair for ten months and that she had been threatening him with false accusations and intimate images. The family firmly states they have no knowledge of this, leaving the officer's version of events without corroboration from their side.
According to the official account, the officer alleged that he felt threatened after encountering Eurídice at a supermarket while with his wife. He claimed she followed him by car, initiated a confrontation, and that he then shot her. The weapon used, a police-issue pistol, was found at his residence along with another firearm with its serial number filed off. The officer was silent when questioned about the illegal weapon.
The family remembers Eurídice as a well-put-together woman who commanded attention and was financially secure, making the claims of her threatening behavior seem implausible to them. They are united in their demand for a complete and thorough investigation into all circumstances surrounding her death. The suspect's preventive imprisonment was ordered by the court following a custody hearing.
Eurídice Augusta de Souza Michelin was laid to rest on the morning of Thursday, May 7th, at the Parque Memorial Pôr-do-Sol cemetery. She is survived by her parents and three children. The case continues to develop as authorities proceed with the investigation. Based on reporting from g1.