Authorities in Brazil have arrested a woman accused of murdering a pregnant 16-year-old and cutting her unborn baby from her womb, a gruesome crime that has shocked the nation.
The victim, Emilly Azevedo Sena, was nine months pregnant when she disappeared on March 12.
Her body was found the following day, buried in a shallow grave in the backyard of a home in the Jardim Florianópolis neighborhood of Cuiabá, according to Civil Police Chief Caio Albuquerque.
A Sinister Deception
Investigators say the suspect, who has since been arrested, lured Emilly to her home under false pretenses.
The woman, who had suffered a miscarriage six months earlier but allegedly never told her family, continued to pretend she was pregnant.
She reportedly contacted Emilly through social media, offering free baby clothes to gain her trust.
Once Emilly arrived, police believe the suspect killed her and cut the baby from her womb.
Hospital Staff Raised Red Flags
The horrific crime came to light when the suspect and her husband arrived at a local hospital on March 13 with a newborn baby.
Medical staff quickly became suspicious, noticing that the woman showed no physical signs of having recently given birth.
Authorities were alerted, and the investigation led them to the suspect’s home, where they uncovered Emilly’s body. The victim’s abdomen had been cut open.
Ongoing Investigation
The suspect has reportedly confessed to Emilly’s murder and is facing multiple charges, including homicide, concealment of a corpse, and fraudulently registering another person’s baby as her own.
The Civil Judicial Police of Mato Grosso have confirmed that the case remains under investigation as they work to determine if other individuals were involved.
A Mother’s Grief
As Emilly’s family mourns, her mother, Ana Paula Meridiane, shared her heartbreak during a memorial service.
“I didn’t just lose a daughter, I lost a friend, partner, and companion,” she said. “Only those who lived with her know how wonderful her heart was.”
The tragic case has sparked outrage in Brazil and renewed concerns about crimes targeting vulnerable pregnant women.
