Former basketball player arrested for assaulting girlfriend mocks police in deposition

A shocking case of domestic violence unfolded in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, on July 26, 2025, when Igor Eduardo Pereira Cabral, a 29-year-old former basketball player, brutally attacked his girlfriend, Juliana Garcia dos Santos Soares, aged 35, with over 60 punches inside an elevator in a high-end condominium in Ponta Negra. Security footage captured the extreme violence, leaving Juliana with a disfigured face and multiple fractures, requiring surgery. Arrested on the spot, Igor was transferred to Dinorá Simas Public Prison in Ceará-Mirim and faces charges of attempted femicide. During his deposition, he mocked authorities and refused to sign mandatory documents, claiming a “claustrophobic episode” and admitting to cocaine use.

The recorded aggression sparked nationwide outrage. Juliana, rescued by neighbors, reported the attack stemmed from jealousy after Igor saw messages on her phone. The Specialized Women’s Assistance Police Station (Deam) is investigating the case, highlighting the urgent need to combat violence against women in Brazil.

• Key case facts:
  • Igor Cabral, former basketball player, assaulted Juliana with 61 punches.
  • The crime occurred on July 26, 2025, in a Natal elevator.
  • Juliana suffered facial and jaw fractures, needing surgery.
  • Igor was arrested in flagrante and had preventive detention decreed.

Police reaction and Igor’s behavior

Delegada Victória Lisboa, from Deam, reported that Igor Cabral displayed a disrespectful attitude during his deposition. He refused to sign essential documents, such as the guilt notice and rights acknowledgment, required for the arrest record. According to Lisboa, Igor appeared to mock the situation, intensifying perceptions of his lack of remorse. He claimed a “claustrophobic episode” triggered the assault and admitted to being under the influence of cocaine. The police dismissed these justifications as irrelevant, focusing on the severity of the violence committed.

Investigations revealed Igor’s history of aggressive behavior. Prior police reports indicate involvement in fights, including an incident in Caicó, Rio Grande do Norte, where he clashed with friends. Juliana reported to police that Igor had previously pushed her and encouraged her to commit suicide during moments of psychological vulnerability. These details suggest a pattern of ongoing psychological abuse in their two-year, on-and-off relationship.

• Deposition details:
  • Igor claimed a “claustrophobic episode” as the reason for the assault.
  • Admitted cocaine use, dismissed by police as irrelevant.
  • Refused to sign mandatory documents, seen as mocking behavior.
  • History of fights and psychological abuse against Juliana uncovered.

Brutal assault and victim’s condition

Security footage shows the exact moment Igor began the attack. After an argument, he threw the first punch, knocking Juliana down, and continued with a relentless sequence of over 60 blows, even as she lay on the floor. The 35-second assault, described by police as one of the most severe domestic violence cases in Natal in 2025, left Juliana bloodied and disoriented. Condominium residents restrained Igor and aided Juliana until the Military Police arrived.

Juliana was rushed to Monsenhor Walfredo Gurgel Hospital, where doctors confirmed facial and jaw fractures. She underwent facial reconstruction surgery on August 1 and faces a lengthy recovery. Due to her injuries, she provided a written statement on July 28, detailing death threats and psychological abuse. A friend launched an online fundraiser to cover medical costs, and Juliana is receiving psychological support to cope with the trauma.

• Victim’s condition:
  • Multiple facial and jaw fractures, requiring surgery.
  • Written statement given due to speech difficulties.
  • Receiving psychological and legal support.
  • Online fundraiser supports medical expenses.

@g1 #RioGrandedoNorte – O ex-jogador de basquete Igor Eduardo Pereira Cabral, de 29 anos, foi preso após agredir a namorada com mais de 60 socos dentro de um elevador em um condomínio em Ponta Negra, na Zona Sul de Natal. Igor teve a prisão preventiva determinada em audiência de custódia e vai responder à Justiça pelo crime de tentativa de feminicídio. Câmeras de segurança do elevador registraram o ocorrido. A advogada Caroline Mafra, que atua na defesa da vítima, confirmou que ela vai precisar por uma cirurgia para reconstrução dos ossos da face. Em depoimento na delegacia, após o crime, Igor alegou que tem síndrome do espectro autista e claustrofobia. Questionado pela polícia, ele disse que nunca foi preso ou processado anteriormente. Ele é estudante do curso de ciências contábeis. ⚠️ Saiba como denunciar casos de violência contra a mulher: ➡️ Polícia Miliar – telefone: 190. É quem atende as vítimas em situações emergenciais. ➡️ Polícia Civil – telefone: 181 ➡️ Central de Atendimento à Mulher – telefone: 180. Além de receber denúncias de violações contra as mulheres, a central encaminha o conteúdo dos relatos aos órgãos competentes e monitora o andamento dos processos. O serviço também pode orientar mulheres em situação de violência, direcionando-as para os serviços especializados da rede de atendimento. Veja mais clicando em 'leia o artigo' #g1 #g1local #tiktoknotícias ♬ som original – g1

Domestic violence in Brazil

Igor Cabral’s case reignites discussions on violence against women in Brazil. According to the Brazilian Public Security Forum, over 230,000 domestic violence cases were reported in 2024, with Rio Grande do Norte ranking high proportionally. The 2025 Violence Atlas notes a rise in crimes against women, despite declines in other crime rates. The Maria da Penha Law, marking 19 years in 2025, has driven progress but faces challenges like underfunding and staffing shortages for prevention programs.

The case’s brutality sparked protests in Natal demanding justice for Juliana. Local organizations emphasize the need for awareness campaigns and increased vigilance in private spaces like condominiums. The incident also highlighted the critical role of security cameras, which were key to Igor’s arrest and case documentation.

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• Domestic violence data:
  • Over 230,000 cases reported in Brazil in 2024.
  • Rio Grande do Norte has high proportional violence rates.
  • 2025 Violence Atlas shows rising crimes against women.
  • Maria da Penha Law faces implementation challenges.

Judicial measures and public reaction

The release of the assault video triggered widespread outrage on social media, prompting Igor to deactivate his online profiles. His family issued a statement denying responsibility for his actions and reporting threats, including vandalism of a commercial property with the message “The streets will collect every punch.” Igor’s defense requested a solitary cell, citing safety concerns, but the Secretariat of Penitentiary Administration (Seap) denied it, placing him in a secure wing at Dinorá Simas Prison.

Igor also reported being assaulted by prison officers, alleging punches, kicks, and pepper spray use. The Prison System Oversight Board is investigating. Meanwhile, the Judiciary upheld his preventive detention, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office is monitoring the case, prioritizing Juliana’s protection and Igor’s punishment. Deam continues gathering statements and forensic reports to support the attempted femicide charge.

• Judicial developments:
  • Preventive detention upheld after custody hearing.
  • Defense’s solitary cell request denied.
  • Igor reported assaults by prison officers.
  • Deam investigation continues with statements and forensic evidence.

Igor Cabral’s background

Igor Eduardo Pereira Cabral, a Natal native, is a 29-year-old accounting student and former basketball player who competed in the 3×3 basketball event at the 2014 Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China. While he never joined Brazil’s senior national team, he played for clubs in Rio de Janeiro and Rio Grande do Norte. His record includes prior fights but no previous arrests. The Brazilian Basketball Confederation clarified he was not part of official national team projects.

Igor’s deposition behavior and the crime’s severity fueled public outrage. Police clarified his claim of autism, confirming it referred to one of his children, not himself. The investigation now focuses on the relationship’s context and potential prior violent incidents.

• Aggressor’s profile:
  • Former 3×3 basketball player, competed in 2014 Youth Olympics.
  • Accounting student, Natal native.
  • History of fights, no prior arrests recorded.
  • Autism claim clarified as relating to his child.

Victim support and community response

Juliana Garcia dos Santos Soares, 35, is recovering with medical and psychological support. Friends and family launched a support network, including an online fundraiser that has raised significant funds for her treatment. Juliana’s aunt, Jaqueline Garcia, noted that the Curitiba-based family had little contact with Igor and never observed aggressive behavior in prior interactions. Juliana reported trying to avoid conflict but was trapped in the elevator, fearing further violence in the hallway without cameras.

Natal’s civil society is organizing protests to demand justice and strengthen efforts against gender-based violence. The case has become a symbol of the need for stronger public policies and professional training to identify domestic violence signs. The condominium where the crime occurred announced a review of security protocols, including staff training.

• Support initiatives:
  • Online fundraiser covers Juliana’s medical costs.
  • Protests in Natal demand justice and anti-violence measures.
  • Condominium revises security protocols post-incident.
  • Victim receives psychological and legal support.