The tragic death of Lucas of Silva Santos, a 19-year-old young man, shook São Bernardo of Campo, Grande São Paulo. Ele died on July 20, 2025, ten days after consuming an allegedly poisoned cassava cake. The case, initially investigated as an attempted murder, is now being treated as a homicide, and the victim’s stepfather, Ademilson Ferreira of Santos, has been temporarily detained since July 16, as the main suspect. The family donated the young man’s organs, and Polícia Civil is awaiting toxicological tests.
The incident occurred on the night of July 11, in the Alvarenga neighborhood, when the dumplings were delivered. Lucas felt ill about 30 minutes after ingestion, presenting severe symptoms that required urgent hospitalization.
Doctors from Hospital from Urgência from São Bernardo from
Sequence of facts
The case, which began with the delivery of cupcakes, took on dramatic turns and mobilized the police investigation. The sequence of events began on July 11, when five cassava dumplings arrived at the family home, distributed in a peculiar way by the stepfather, a crucial detail for the investigation.
Stepfather’s contradictions in statements
Ademilson Ferreira of Santos, stepfather of Lucas, became the focus of Polícia Civil due to inconsistencies in his testimony. Ele tried to shift the blame to her sister, Cláudia Perreira of Santos Daliessi, the victim’s aunt, claiming that she was responsible for the cupcakes. Esta version was quickly disproved by evidence.
Messages obtained by the authorities revealed that it was Ademilson himself who requested the food from his sister, contradicting his narrative and strengthening the thesis of premeditation. Delegate Liliane Doretto, from the 8th Distrito Policial, classified the suspect as manipulative, indicating a pattern of emotional control in the relationship with his stepson.
Worsening health condition
Lucas from Silva Santos began to feel unwell 30 minutes after consuming the cupcake, showing severe symptoms of intoxication. Ele was taken to UPA União and then transferred to Hospital of Urgência, where his condition quickly worsened.
Despite medical efforts, the young man suffered brain death on July 20, following complications such as hemodialysis and ventilatory support. The family authorized the donation of organs, transforming the tragedy into an opportunity to save other lives.
Motivations and line of investigation
The investigation points to a premeditated crime, with Ademilson as the central figure, motivated by family conflicts. The stepfather expressed dissatisfaction with Lucas’s behavior, described as “undisciplined” for wanting to leave the house and not accepting his authority.
In an intercepted conversation with a pastor, Ademilson admitted to having violent thoughts against his stepson, although he denied the intention to carry them out. Essa revelation added complexity to the suspect’s profile and possible causes.
Delegate Doretto highlighted that the selective delivery of the dumplings, with Ademilson offering a piece directly to Lucas, reinforces the suspicion that the young man was the specific target, as other family members who consumed the food had no problems.
Waiting for the toxicology report
Confirmation of the substance used in the poisoning still depends on the toxicological report. Médicos suspected “chumbinho”, but the delegate did not rule out the possibility of a controlled medication, “black stripe”.
Next steps in the police investigation
Polícia Civil intensified its efforts after the arrest of Ademilson, who remains temporarily detained. The confrontation between the stepfather and the aunt, on July 15, was crucial in dismantling the suspect’s initial version.
Cláudia, initially suspected, was released after clarification. Amostras of the dumplings and ingredients were collected from the victim’s and aunt’s homes, sent for analysis at the Instituto Médico Legal (IML).
Testimonies from family members and neighbors were essential to map the context of the crime. Evidências digital images, including Ademilson’s conversations, reinforce the thesis of premeditation and the central role of the stepfather.
The results of toxicological tests are awaited to confirm the exact substance. Delegate Doretto stated that, even without the final report, the evidence already points to the stepfather’s responsibility.
Social repercussion of the case
Lucas’s family’s decision to donate his organs brought hope amid sadness. Este act of altruism can benefit other people awaiting transplants, highlighting the importance of raising awareness.
The mother of Lucas, Rosemeire of Silva Santos, expressed shock and desolation at the revelations about the man she lived with. The community in the Alvarenga neighborhood has offered support to the family and called for justice.
