December 30th 2024.
Zeli dos Anjos, a 61-year-old woman from the southern Brazilian city of Torres, was getting ready for the holidays and decided to prepare the traditional 'Bolo de Natal' cake on December 23. It was a special tradition for her family, and she was excited to share it with her loved ones. However, little did she know that this festive treat would result in a tragedy that would shock the whole community.
After eating the cake, Zeli and five other family members were hospitalized with food poisoning. Sadly, three of her relatives, Maida, Neuza, and Neuza's daughter Tatiana, passed away. The cause of death was determined to be arsenic poisoning, which was found in their bodies during the investigation.
Authorities in Torres started looking into the case, and Police Chief Marcos Vinicius Veloso shared that they were exploring the possibility that the poisoning was a result of bacteria-contaminated currants and other spoiled food used as toppings for the cake. This theory was based on the fact that the family had experienced a power cut in their holiday home in Arroio do Sal, where Zeli had prepared the cake.
Zeli, who was still recovering in the hospital, was questioned by the police about the incident. It was revealed that she had not visited her holiday home in a while because she had been living in her main residence in Canoas. The family had gathered at Maida's apartment in Torres to celebrate Christmas, where they consumed the suspicious cake.
Chief Veloso explained that when Zeli returned to her holiday home, she found that the fridge was off, likely due to the power cut. She noticed an unpleasant smell and threw away some of the perishable items, but kept others, including the currants and crystallized fruit, which she used in the cake a month later.
The investigation took a shocking turn when it was discovered that Zeli's husband had also died from suspected food poisoning just a few months earlier in September. At the time, his death was not considered suspicious, but now with the new evidence, his body will be exhumed for a proper post-mortem.
Authorities are still trying to determine if the poisoning was intentional or a result of negligence. Chief Veloso stated that there is no evidence of any intentional conduct at the moment, but they are being cautious and will continue to gather more information. In the meantime, the community is in shock, and the family is grieving the loss of their loved ones.
Maida, who was a teacher, was the first to pass away, leaving behind her husband Jefferson, who also ate the cake but only experienced minor symptoms. He told the media that no one in the family believes Zeli had any intention of harming them. A 10-year-old child also ended up in the hospital after consuming the cake and is expected to be questioned once she is in a stable condition.
The investigation is ongoing, and the community is eagerly waiting for answers. Meanwhile, people are reminded of the importance of food safety and the potential dangers of consuming contaminated food. Arsenic can be found in various foods, including seafood, rice, mushrooms, poultry, and even some fruit juices. It is a tragic reminder to always be cautious and vigilant when it comes to food.
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