Penal officer suspected of stabbing girlfriend in BH hospitalized after suicide attempt

A 46-year-old woman, identified as Priscila Azevedo Mundim, was stabbed to death in the early hours of Saturday (16) in an apartment on Rua Vereador Geraldo Pereira, Padre Eustáquio neighborhood, in the northwest region of Belo Horizonte. The main suspect is her boyfriend, a 42-year-old penal officer, who confessed the crime to a relative and attempted to take his own life afterward. The Military Police were called after neighbors reported an intense argument, but the victim was already deceased when officers arrived. Classified as feminicide, the case has shocked the local community and raised questions about domestic violence and the conduct of security agents. The suspect was admitted to João XXIII Emergency Hospital after injuring himself in the abdomen.

The crime occurred in a context of violence that, according to witnesses, escalated during the early hours. Neighbors reported hearing screams and a prolonged argument, but the police response only arrived around 11 a.m., prompting criticism from residents. The victim, found in the apartment’s bedroom, had multiple wounds caused by a bladed weapon.

• The Civil Police are conducting a forensic investigation at the scene to clarify the crime’s dynamics.
• The suspect remains hospitalized under custody.
• The State Secretariat of Justice and Public Security was notified to investigate the penal officer’s conduct.
• Neighbors report the couple had a history of frequent arguments.

The tragedy has moved the capital of Minas Gerais and reignited debates about violence against women. The case is under investigation, and the community demands answers regarding the initial police response.

Crime details

Initial investigations indicate the crime took place during the early hours in the couple’s apartment in Padre Eustáquio. According to the Military Police, the suspect’s uncle received a call from the penal officer confessing to the murder of Priscila Azevedo Mundim and stating he would attempt suicide. The suspect, whose identity was not disclosed, stabbed himself in the abdomen after the crime and was taken to the hospital. Witnesses reported the argument started on the building’s second floor and ended in the bedroom, where the victim was found dead.

The crime scene revealed a setting of extreme violence, with blood scattered throughout the apartment. The police are working to determine the exact circumstances of the feminicide, but preliminary information suggests the couple faced relationship issues. The case is being treated as feminicide, a crime that, under Brazilian law, involves violence against women due to their gender.

Community reaction

Priscila Azevedo Mundim’s death caused outrage among neighbors and family members. Residents of the building reported that the couple was known for frequent arguments, but no one anticipated such a tragic outcome. The delay in the police response, reported by witnesses, also sparked indignation in the community, which demands explanations from authorities.

• Screams were heard since the previous night, suggesting the argument may have lasted hours.
• The victim was found with multiple stab wounds.
• The suspect attempted suicide shortly after the crime, according to police.
• The local community is organizing a rally to demand justice and prevention of violence against women.

The State Secretariat of Justice and Public Security (Sejusp) stated it is monitoring the case and will open an internal procedure to investigate the penal officer’s conduct, as he is a public servant. The Civil Police, responsible for the investigation, has not yet released detailed information about the case.

Domestic violence context in Minas Gerais

Violence against women is a recurring issue in the state. Data from the Minas Gerais government indicate that, in 2024, over 1,500 feminicide cases were recorded in the state, a 10% increase compared to the previous year. The case of Priscila Azevedo Mundim underscores the need for more effective public policies to protect women in situations of domestic violence.

• The Feminicide Law, in effect since 2015, imposes harsher penalties for gender-motivated crimes.
• Programs like MG Mulher offer psychological and legal support to victims.
• Women’s Reference Centers and Safe Houses are available in BH to shelter women at risk.
• Complaints can be made via the 180 hotline, and emergencies should be reported to 190.

The crime highlights the severity of domestic violence, especially when involving security agents expected to protect society. The investigation seeks to clarify whether there were failures in the police response and the suspect’s conduct.

Suspect profile

The 42-year-old penal officer, whose name was not disclosed, is a staff member at Nelson Hungria Penitentiary in Contagem, in the Belo Horizonte metropolitan area. After confessing the crime to his uncle over the phone, he attempted suicide, suggesting possible emotional instability at the time of the crime. The police are investigating whether the act was premeditated or the result of a heated argument.

• The suspect is under custody in the hospital, but his health condition has not been detailed.
• The murder weapon was seized at the scene.
• The Civil Police are reviewing the couple’s history to identify potential prior signs of violence.

The penal officer’s conduct will be investigated in an administrative procedure by Sejusp, which could result in his suspension or dismissal, depending on the findings. Civil society demands swift investigation and severe punishment, given the involvement of a public servant.

Measures to prevent violence against women

The tragedy reignites discussions about the importance of preventive measures against domestic violence. In Belo Horizonte, various initiatives aim to protect women at risk, but the number of feminicides indicates that efforts remain insufficient.

• Anonymous complaints via 180 help identify cases of violence.
• The Civil Police maintain Specialized Women’s Assistance Police Stations (DEAMs).
• The MG Mulher app facilitates access to protection services.
• Safe Houses offer temporary shelter for women in danger.

Civil society, through non-governmental organizations, also plays a crucial role in raising awareness and supporting victims. The pressure for stronger public policies is growing, and the case of Priscila Azevedo Mundim is likely to intensify this debate.

Authorities’ response

The Military Police stated they are cooperating with the Civil Police in the investigation but avoided commenting on the delayed response, noting that the case involves a servant from another agency. Sejusp expressed regret over the incident and promised rigor in the internal investigation.

• The Civil Police are conducting a detailed forensic analysis of the apartment.
• Sejusp opened an administrative procedure against the suspect.
• The community demands transparency in the investigative process.

The case, involving a penal officer, raises concerns about the training and psychological monitoring of security agents. Society expects the investigation to clarify all details of the crime and that measures be taken to prevent further cases.