Man who ripped out his aunt’s heart in Sorriso is transferred to SP under supervision after leaving psychiatric hospital

Lumar Costa da Silva, 34, responsible for the brutal murder of his aunt, Maria Zélia da Silva, in 2019 in Sorriso, Mato Grosso, was discharged from the Adauto Botelho Integrated Psychosocial Healthcare Center (CIAPS) in Cuiabá on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The judicial decision, signed by Judge Geraldo Fernandes Fidelis Neto, mandates that he leave psychiatric hospitalization and comply with security measures in Campinas, São Paulo, under intensive monitoring at the Psychosocial Care Center (CAPS). The case, which shocked the public due to its violence, raises debates about mental health, justice, and social reintegration. Medical reports confirm clinical stability but require ongoing supervision due to his history of bipolar affective disorder and psychoactive substance use.

Lumar’s trajectory, marked by episodes of violence and psychiatric instability, gained notoriety after the crime in Sorriso, 420 km from Cuiabá. He confessed to killing his 55-year-old aunt and delivering her heart to her daughter, claiming he heard “voices from the universe.” The case sparked outrage and indignation, particularly due to the perpetrator’s coldness. Now, his move to São Paulo under strict judicial conditions reignites discussions about monitoring individuals with severe mental disorders after violent crimes.

• Key conditions imposed by the court:
  • Intensive outpatient monitoring at the Campinas CAPS.
  • Prohibition from leaving the city without judicial authorization.
  • Restriction on alcohol and drug use.
  • Supervision by a multidisciplinary team and a legal guardian.

The judicial decision reflects a balance between the need for treatment and societal protection, considering the patient’s history and the submitted psychiatric reports.

Details of the judicial decision

Lumar’s release from CIAPS was based on medical reports confirming his clinical stability, though he still requires indefinite psychiatric treatment. Judge Geraldo Fernandes Fidelis Neto emphasized that hospitalization is no longer necessary but imposed strict security measures to ensure treatment compliance and no risk to society. The transfer to Campinas, where Lumar has family ties, was authorized with the condition of constant supervision by a multidisciplinary team, including psychiatrists.

The court document specifies that Lumar is prohibited from frequenting places like gambling houses, brothels, or environments associated with illicit substance use. Additionally, any travel outside Campinas requires prior judicial approval. These restrictions aim to minimize the risk of recidivism, given his history of impulsivity and reported psychotic episodes.

The decision also highlights the complexity of the case, which involves the intersection of mental health and the penal system. Lumar was acquitted in 2022 due to non-imputability, meaning he lacked full capacity to be held accountable for his actions at the time of the crime because of his bipolar disorder diagnosis. Since then, he remained in custodial hospitalization, but his clinical progress allowed the transition to outpatient treatment.

Revisiting the Sorriso crime

The murder of Maria Zélia da Silva in July 2019 shocked Sorriso and gained national attention due to its brutality. Lumar, who had arrived in Mato Grosso just four days earlier after attempting to kill his mother in Campinas, committed the crime at his aunt’s home. According to the Civil Police, he stabbed the victim and ripped out her heart, delivering it to her daughter. The coldness of the act and his public confession, in which he expressed no remorse, intensified community outrage.

Maria Zélia, a 55-year-old religious woman, had taken in her nephew but felt uncomfortable with his behavior, particularly his drug use. The family arranged a small apartment for Lumar to move out of her home. However, days after the move, he committed the crime. During his police statement, Lumar remained silent, but upon leaving, he told the press that the “universe” instructed him to kill.

• Key facts of the case:
  • Lumar arrived in Sorriso on June 28, 2019.
  • The crime occurred on July 10 after disputes with his aunt.
  • He confessed to the act and claimed to hear guiding “voices.”
  • The victim was known in the community for her religiosity.

The case exposed the challenges of addressing individuals with severe mental disorders, especially in contexts of extreme violence.

Diagnosis and mental health

The psychiatric reports submitted to the court provide a detailed overview of Lumar’s mental state. The third report, prepared by forensic psychiatrist Rafael de Paula Giusti, confirmed the diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder type I, characterized by manic episodes, expansive mood, and impulsivity. The document notes that the use of psychoactive substances, such as LSD, exacerbated psychotic symptoms at the time of the crime, increasing the likelihood of violent behavior.

Patients with this disorder may experience significant impairments in judgment and self-control, which, combined with drug use, heightens the risk of impulsive acts. The report highlights that individuals with bipolar disorder who use hallucinogenic substances are ten times more likely to commit violent crimes compared to the general population.

Despite the diagnosis, Lumar’s clinical progress in recent years was deemed sufficient for discharge from hospitalization. However, intensive outpatient treatment is essential, with regular monitoring to prevent relapses. The court emphasized the importance of strict supervision, considering prior violent episodes, such as his attempt to strangle another inmate during a transfer in 2019.

Security measures and monitoring

The court-imposed measures for Lumar’s transfer to Campinas are detailed and aim to ensure public safety while allowing treatment continuity. Monitoring at the CAPS includes regular consultations with psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, as well as oversight by a legal guardian.

• Lumar’s obligations in Campinas:
  • Attend all CAPS appointments.
  • Abstain from alcohol or drug use.
  • Avoid high-risk locations, such as gambling houses.
  • Request judicial authorization to leave the city.
  • Undergo periodic mental health evaluations.

The choice of Campinas as his destination reflects the presence of family members, which may facilitate social and emotional support. However, the court made clear that any non-compliance could lead to new sanctions, including possible re-hospitalization.

Impact on the Sorriso community

The case of Maria Zélia left deep scars in Sorriso, a city known for its agricultural production and tranquility. The crime’s violence, coupled with Lumar’s public confession, created a sense of insecurity among residents. His acquittal in 2022 due to non-imputability was met with controversy, with many questioning how someone responsible for such a grave act could be released from the penal system.

The news of his discharge and transfer to São Paulo has reignited debate in the community. Residents expressed concerns about the possibility of Lumar posing a risk, even under monitoring. Maria Zélia’s family, though less visible in the media recently, continues to grapple with the pain of their loss.

Lumar Costa da Silva’s story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by Brazil’s justice and mental health systems. The intersection of psychiatric disorders, substance use, and violent crimes demands integrated approaches that combine treatment, supervision, and societal protection. His transfer to Campinas marks a new chapter, but vigilance over the case remains critical.