Elize Matsunaga exchanges app races for production of pet items after TV exposure
Elize Matsunaga, convicted of the murder of her husband Marcos Kitano Matsunaga in 2012, progressed to open regime in May 2022 after serving ten years in the Tremembé Women’s Penitentiary, in São Paulo. The 44-year-old former nurse moved to Franca, in the interior of São Paulo, to comply with court conditions, such as maintaining a fixed residence and legal occupation. The recent series “Tremembé”, released on Prime Video, rekindled public interest in the case, highlighting his routine in prison and the crime that shocked the country.
The television production, inspired by books about famous crimes, portrays interactions between inmates such as Elize and Suzane von Richthofen. The episode sparked debates about resocialization, but also complicated his adaptation outside the prison. In Franca, known for its footwear industry, Elize sought discretion to avoid exposure.
The series “Tremembé” explores life in prison with testimonies and reconstructions.
Elize took part in sewing courses during her sentence.
The focus is on the Brazilian prison system.
An unexpected circumstance arose in February 2023, when passengers identified Elize as an app driver in the city. Using her maiden name, Elize Araújo Giacomini, she drove a Honda Fit and answered calls on the TaxiMaxim platform, which does not require a criminal background check, just a valid driving license and a vehicle in good order. The company confirmed the registration and highlighted the absence of complaints.
Passengers reported neutral interactions, with no mention of the past. The platform emphasized the right to work for resocialization, according to Constitution. However, the viralization of screenshots on social media exposed his identity, forcing a quick change of activity.
Discreet home in Franca
Elize arrived in Franca shortly after her judicial release, choosing the south zone of the city for its tranquility. The 400 km distance from the capital of São Paulo made it easier to comply with the rules, such as quarterly court appearances and the prohibition on being absent without permission. Initially, she produced items for pets at home, selling online to generate income.
The adaptation included simple routines, such as avoiding public places at night. Reports indicate that Elize maintained low visibility, prioritizing financial stability. The city, with a population of around 350 thousand inhabitants, offered relative anonymity until the media repercussions.
Step as an app driver
The decision to join TaxiMaxim took place in January 2023, months after the change. Elize accumulated more than 100 runs in just a few weeks, achieving a 4.8 star rating for punctuality and courtesy. The platform, operating in 50 cities, prioritizes accessibility, without barriers for ex-offenders.
Passengers described routine runs, with conversations about local daily life. The company only checked the car’s documents, aligning itself with labor inclusion policies. Despite initial success, the online exhibition discontinued its function in March 2023.
- Register under maiden name for privacy.
- Own vehicle in regular conditiones.
- No formal complaints registered.
- Emphasis on daytime hours for safety.
Repercussion of the series and challenges
“Tremembé” premiered on October 31, 2025, with Elize played by Carol Garcia, reliving the crime of jealousy and betrayal that led to the murder. The plot addresses qualifiers such as clumsy and somewhat cruel motives, confirmed in the 2016 jury. The series, based on reports by Ullisses Campbell, accumulated record views in the first weekend.
The exposure reignited discussions about a reduced sentence from 19 to 16 years, after confession. Elize avoided public comments, but a video from 2022, where she is grateful for her “second chance”, went viral again. The production highlighted vocational courses in prison, such as sewing, which influenced her current transition.
Fans divided opinions across networks, with support for reinsertion and criticism of rapid progression. Netflix had released the documentary “Elize Matsunaga: Once upon a crime” in 2021, with her testimony about regret. The new series increased the scrutiny, complicating his routine in Franca.
Transition to pet making
Elize dedicated herself entirely to producing clothing and accessories for animals after leaving the app. The homemade studio offers personalized collars, clothes and toys, sold via local e-commerce. The activity takes advantage of skills acquired in prison, where he was part of a uniform factory.
Family relationship and obligations
Elize and Marcos’ daughter, now 15 years old, has lived with her paternal grandparents, Mitsuo and Misako Matsunaga, since 2012. A DNA test confirmed paternity, but custody remained with her father’s family due to the crime. Elize seeks contact through the courts, but restrictions persist until 2028, the end of the sentence.
The conditions of the open regime include a ban on bars and monthly proof of income. Until November 2025, there are no records of non-compliance. The inheritance of R$900,000, revealed in biographies, supports basic expenses, complemented by sewing.
Elize expressed in old recordings a belief in spiritual forgiveness, but avoids public projections. Justice monitors progress, prioritizing reintegration without recidivism.
