The Guarulhos Civil Police in São Paulo investigate 36-year-old law student Ana Paula Veloso Fernandes for allegedly poisoning at least 14 dogs with chumbinho. The confession occurred during an interrogation on August 25, 2025, at the 1st Police District, where she admitted using the poison on her own and family members’ animals. Ana Paula has been detained since July for involvement in four qualified homicides by poisoning, committed between January and May 2025 in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Ten of the dogs were puppies belonging to her twin sister, Roberta Cristina Veloso Fernandes, who is also detained for involvement in the human crimes. The other four adult dogs were under the care of Ana Paula’s ex-husband in Rio de Janeiro. The investigation aims to confirm if the animal cruelty constitutes a separate crime under Brazilian law.
Confession details use of poison on pets
Ana Paula told police she acquired chumbinho in Rio de Janeiro to eliminate her sister’s puppies.
She described the process, including dosage and time of effect of the poison, stating it was already available at home.
The case’s lead delegate, Halisson Ideiao Leite, noted that the suspect tested the substance on animals before using it on humans.
Puppies and rescue of survivors
The ten puppies were born to dogs brought by Roberta to their shared residence in Guarulhos, intended for donation.
Ana Paula halted the plan by poisoning them, as per her confession.
Three remaining dogs—Luna, Selena, and Bob—were rescued by the local municipality during searches at the house.
They are in a municipal shelter, available for adoption, with support from police authorities.
The forensic analysis identified terbufos, a highly toxic banned pesticide, in a seized vial from the property.
The compound causes symptoms like excessive salivation and seizures within minutes.
Ex-husband’s accusations about dogs in Rio
Ana Paula’s ex-husband, who requested anonymity, reported the deaths of four dogs during their marriage two years ago.
Thor, Eros, Atena, and Kiara showed signs of poisoning, such as drooling and sudden weakness.
He was working away, leaving the home under his then-wife’s care.
After the homicides came to light, he connected the events and contacted the police.
The couple separated after an incident involving property destruction with a sledgehammer in 2023.
Investigation into methods and forensic evidence
The police are analyzing whether the same poison used on the dogs was applied to human victims via food or drinks.
Toxicology reports confirm the presence of the pesticide in autopsy samples.
- Ten puppies poisoned in Guarulhos, January 2025.
- Four adult dogs killed in Rio, 2022-2023 period.
- Tests indicate precise dosing to mimic natural causes.
- Seized vial contains residue consistent with chumbinho.
Roberta and Michelle Paiva da Silva, 43, also face charges for involvement in the crimes.
Michelle hired Ana Paula for R$4,000 to poison her father, Neil Corrêa da Silva, via feijoada.
Human crimes and pattern of action
Ana Paula is charged with the murders of Marcelo Hari Fonseca, the landlord; Maria Aparecida Rodrigues, a friend from a dating app; Neil Corrêa da Silva, a 65-year-old man; and Hayder Mhazres, a 21-year-old Tunisian boyfriend.
Motives involve financial gain and relational rejection, per the investigation.
She called emergency services in three cases, simulating the discovery of bodies.
São Paulo’s Judiciary accepted the full indictment for triply qualified homicide.
In WhatsApp messages, the sisters used “TCC” as code for their plans.
The defense of those involved has not commented so far.
Legislation on animal cruelty
Animal cruelty is criminalized under Law 9,605/1998, with penalties of two to five years of detention, fines, and compensation.
Confessional and forensic evidence strengthens the case against Ana Paula.
The investigation continues to identify potential additional human and pet victims.
Delegates are seeking statements from neighbors and college colleagues.
The student attempted to poison classmates with a cake in 2024, unsuccessfully.
