Facial injuries from 61 punches shock Natal in brutal assault

Juliana Garcia dos Santos Soares, 35, was brutally assaulted with 61 punches to the face by her ex-boyfriend, Igor Eduardo Pereira Cabral, in an elevator of a condominium in Ponta Negra, Natal (RN), on July 26, 2025. The 36-second attack, captured by security cameras, caused severe fractures to her jaw, nose, cheek, and eye socket bones, disfiguring her face. After a successful facial reconstruction surgery at the Onofre Lopes University Hospital, Juliana was discharged on August 4. Igor, a former basketball player, was arrested for attempted femicide and remains in preventive detention. The case, which sparked national outrage, underscores the severity of domestic violence and Juliana’s fight for recovery.

The assault was triggered by jealousy after Igor saw messages on Juliana’s phone during a barbecue at the condominium. He followed her to the elevator, where he attacked her. Juliana had previously endured psychological abuse and minor physical aggression, such as shoves, in the relationship. A security guard, monitoring the footage in real time, alerted the Military Police, who, with residents’ help, apprehended Igor on the ground floor.

• Injuries sustained: Fractures to the jaw, nose, cheek, and eye socket bones.
• Surgery performed: Osteosynthesis with miniplates to repair facial bones.
• Arrest of the aggressor: Igor has been detained since July 28, charged with attempted femicide.
• Support for the victim: A crowdfunding campaign raised over R$60,000 for treatments.

Location of injuries from 61 punches

Juliana’s injuries affected critical facial areas, as detailed by medical exams. Fractures impacted the zygomatic-orbital complex, encompassing the cheekbone and eye socket, and the mandibular condyle, vital for speech and chewing. Surgeon-dentist Kerlison Paulino de Oliveira noted that the osteosynthesis surgery, lasting over seven hours, was complex due to bone fragmentation. Despite its success, aesthetic and functional sequelae are likely. Before surgery, Juliana struggled to eat and breathe, limited to a liquid and soft diet.

Initial facial swelling delayed the procedure, but preliminary treatments reduced bruising. After discharge, Juliana follows medical guidelines at home, with a follow-up evaluation scheduled for August. The emotional toll was significant, disrupting her routine and a new job started days before the attack.

Circumstances of the 61 punches

The crime occurred after an argument in Juliana’s apartment, where Igor went to retrieve belongings. Fearing violence, she stayed in the elevator but was attacked from the 16th floor to the ground floor. Delegate Victória Lisboa reported that Igor had a history of psychological abuse, including urging Juliana to take her own life during vulnerable moments. During the arrest, Juliana handed police a note detailing death threats.

The elevator footage shocked the custody hearing judge, who couldn’t watch it in full due to its brutality. Juliana described the attack as an attempt on her life and urged women to heed signs of abuse, such as excessive jealousy and public humiliation.

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• Motive for the attack: Jealousy over messages on Juliana’s phone.
• Crime location: Elevator in a Ponta Negra condominium, Natal.
• Immediate response: Security alerted police, and residents restrained Igor.
• Abuse history: Juliana reported prior psychological and physical abuse.

Public reaction and support

The assault video went viral on social media, sparking outrage and discussions about violence against women. Juliana expressed gratitude for support from friends, family, and strangers, highlighting a crowdfunding campaign that raised over R$60,000 for additional treatments, as the main surgery was covered by SUS. She requested privacy to focus on recovery but emphasized her pursuit of justice. Igor’s family issued a statement expressing dismay and requesting an end to threats against them, including vandalism at a commercial property.

Igor’s defense claims he was assaulted in Dinorá Simas Public Prison with punches, kicks, and pepper spray. The Penitentiary Administration Secretariat is investigating, analyzing footage and a forensic exam conducted after the complaint.

• National impact: Video fueled debates on domestic violence.
• Financial support: Crowdfunding exceeded R$60,000 for Juliana’s care.
• Family statement: Igor’s relatives condemned threats against them.
• Prison investigation: Alleged violence against Igor is under review.

Aggressor’s background

Igor Eduardo Pereira Cabral, 29, was a prominent 3×3 basketball player, representing Brazil and competing in the 2014 Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China. He deactivated his social media accounts after the case gained attention. In his statement, Igor claimed a “claustrophobic episode” in the elevator, triggered by Juliana’s insults, but police deem this inconsistent with the attack’s severity. Investigations revealed a pattern of psychological abuse and prior physical aggression.

Warning against domestic violence

Juliana’s case underscores the urgent need to address violence against women. Experts highlight that excessive jealousy, control, and humiliation are red flags of abusive behavior that can escalate to physical violence. In a RecordTV interview, Juliana urged women not to ignore these signs and to seek help. The Civil Police advise reporting incidents via the 190 hotline or at specialized stations.

Juliana’s surgery involved fixing fractures with miniplates to restore facial function. Despite its success, the surgeon warned of potential long-term limitations due to the injuries’ severity. Juliana faces a lengthy physical and emotional recovery as the case proceeds in court.

• Signs of abuse: Jealousy, control, and humiliation signal potential violence.
• Complex surgery: Osteosynthesis repaired fractures over seven hours.
• Reporting: Call 190 or visit specialized police stations.
• Recovery: Juliana faces physical and emotional sequelae.