Investigation Underway After Arsenic-Laced Christmas Cake Kills Three in Brazil
Initial Investigation
Brazilian police are investigating three deaths and several hospitalizations resulting from a family gathering where an arsenic-laced Christmas cake was served. The incident occurred on December 23 in Torres, a small seaside town in southern Brazil.
The Incident
According to reports, three women died after eating the cake at a family gathering, and a 10-year-old girl and the woman who baked the cake remain in hospital, receiving treatment for poisoning. The news website G1 reported that police were waiting until the hospitalized woman’s condition improves to question her. Testimony had meanwhile been taken from 15 other people as part of the investigation.
Laboratory Tests Confirm Presence of Arsenic
Laboratory tests conducted on Friday revealed the presence of arsenic in blood samples taken from the three deceased women. The results were announced on Friday, and police are now working to determine the source of the poison.
No Early Indication of Dispute
Reports suggest that the woman who made the cake got along well with the other members of the family, and there was no early indication of a dispute. The cake, which was served at the family gathering, was described as a partially served cake of dried fruit with white marzipan icing and maraschino cherries on top.
Exhumation of Ex-Husband’s Body Ordered
The CartaCapital news website reported that the ex-husband of the woman who made the cake died in September. Initially, police believed that he died of foodborne illness, but his death is now being re-examined, and an exhumation of his body has been ordered.
Investigation Ongoing
So far, no charges have been laid, and police have not said whether the case is being treated as a murder investigation. The investigation is ongoing, with police working to determine the identity of the person responsible for the poisoning.
Conclusion
The incident has raised concerns about food safety and the potential risks associated with homemade food preparation. As the investigation continues, authorities will work to determine the source of the poison and bring those responsible to justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many people were affected by the poisoning?
- Three women died, and several others were hospitalized.
- What was the cause of the poisoning?
- Laboratory tests revealed the presence of arsenic in the blood samples of the deceased women.
- Is the case being treated as a murder investigation?
- No charges have been laid, and police have not said whether it is being treated as a murder case.
- What is the current status of the investigation?
- The investigation is ongoing, with police working to determine the identity of the person responsible for the poisoning.