The family of Fabiana Cristina Lacerda Batista, a 42-year-old seamstress shot and killed by her ex-husband in Barrinha, São Paulo, is presenting new evidence they argue demonstrates the attack was meticulously planned. The suspect, Paulo Henrique Batista, also 42, allegedly traveled 190 kilometers by motorcycle from Itaú de Minas, Minas Gerais, to commit the crime.
New surveillance images show Paulo Henrique entering and leaving a motel near Barrinha on the day of the crime. He then parked his motorcycle on a city street and waited for approximately one hour in front of the bar where his ex-wife was expected to be with her sister, Lorena Freitas, a singer who was scheduled to perform there. Additional security camera footage from commercial establishments on Avenida Costa e Silva captured his movements in the area.
Lorena Freitas stated the family's goal is to gather as much evidence as possible to prove the suspect's monstrous intent. "He had a lot of time to think, to back out, and we have several pieces of evidence that demonstrate this," she said. Among the items she recovered from the motel were work clothes, an ID badge, a toll receipt, alcoholic beverages, and drugs.
The sister also revealed that Paulo Henrique had recently resigned from his job on April 23rd, allegedly stating he was coming after his ex-wife. The couple had been married for 25 years but separated only two and a half months prior to the fatal attack. Fabiana had moved to Barrinha to be closer to her sister.
The confrontation turned violent when Paulo Henrique approached the sisters' car. Lorena described how he placed a gun to her head, pulled her from the vehicle by her hair, and then shot Fabiana as she tried to escape. Security camera audio captured cries for help abruptly cut off by six gunshots. After the murder, the suspect attempted to flee but was stopped by bystanders. He was struck by a vehicle about 100 meters from the crime scene, sustaining injuries that required medical attention. He remains hospitalized under observation and police guard.
The weapon used was a .38 caliber revolver with its serial number filed off, which was seized along with ammunition. The case is being investigated by the Sertãozinho Sectional Police Station. The family's claims of premeditation, if proven, could lead to a harsher sentence upon conviction.
This tragedy follows a history of alleged abuse. In February, Paulo Henrique was arrested for threatening Fabiana with a knife but was released the next day after a custody hearing. According to Lorena, he boasted at the time that he knew the Maria da Penha Law (which protects women from domestic violence) inside out and feared no punishment. He also allegedly sent threatening messages to the couple's children via social media.
Lorena remembered her sister as the sweetest person in the world, full of life and plans for the future, including pursuing a degree in physical education. She noted that Fabiana had been undergoing psychiatric treatment and medication due to fear following the separation but had recently found stability with a new job and home. "My nephews are without a mother, we are without a sister," Lorena said emotionally. "We will never have her smile again."
Based on reporting from g1.