Investigation seeks woman named as main suspect for murdering couple in luxury apartment in BH

 

Lawyer Cláudio Atala Inácio, aged 75, and his wife, businesswoman Maria Clotilde Moreira Maciel Atala Inácio, aged 76, were brutally murdered, suffering 17 and 7 stab wounds, respectively, according to the findings of the Civil Police investigation. The cruelty of the crime shocked neighbors and family, raising questions about the safety of elderly people.

The couple’s bodies were located inside their apartment, located in the São Pedro neighborhood, an upscale area in the Center-South region of Belo Horizonte, on the afternoon of last Tuesday (30). The luxurious environment contrasted with the scene of violence found.

It is believed that the murders took place on Monday (29) and were discovered by the victims’ son, who sought contact with his parents after a period of silence and, worried, went to the property. The lack of response raised the initial alert.

There were no signs of a break-in in the residence, however, a drawer where jewelry used to be stored was found violated, suggesting a motive behind the attacks. Furthermore, the elderly people’s cell phones disappeared, and both showed signs of defense, indicating a desperate attempt to resist the aggression.

A woman, identified as Paola Stefany Neto Cirino, aged 30, emerges as the main suspect in the double homicide. Images from the building’s security cameras recorded her entering the premises at around 7:30 am and leaving at 3:30 pm. She left the building wearing different clothes than the ones she wore when she arrived and was carrying two new bags, one of which, according to the victims’ son, belonged to Maria Clotilde.

Search for suspect extends to the metropolitan region

The Military Police (PM) went to Paola Stefany’s address, in the city of Ribeirão das Neves, located in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte, but the suspect was not found at her residence. Paola’s aunt reported to the police that her niece had arrived home on Monday, around 7pm, with a backpack that, according to her, she had received.

According to the family member’s testimony, on Tuesday morning, Paola packed her and her son’s belongings, stating that she would travel to Espírito Santo and, afterwards, that she would stay in a hotel. Additional information reveals that a cousin of Maria Clotilde had recommended Paola to provide services at the couple’s residence, establishing a direct connection between the suspect and the victims.

Shocking forensic details reveal the intensity of the attacks

Upon accessing the apartment, the victims’ son came across a desolate scene: his mother was lying in the living room, next to the sofa, while his father was found on the bed in one of the bedrooms. Technical expertise brought to light the brutality of the attacks.

The expert survey confirmed that Maria Clotilde received seven stab wounds, hitting vital areas such as the throat, neck, chin, chest and pelvis, demonstrating the violence used.

Cláudio Atala, in turn, suffered an even greater number of injuries, with 17 blows distributed mainly to the abdomen, back and neck. Both elderly men had injuries consistent with defense attempts, which reinforces the confrontational nature of the crime.

The couple’s bodies were released to the family last Wednesday (1st) and, after the wake that began at 4pm, they were buried at 5pm at the Parque da Colina Cemetery, located in the Nova Cintra neighborhood.

Police investigate the crime as robbery

According to delegate Gustavo Barletta, responsible for the investigation at the Civil Police of Minas Gerais, the case is initially being treated as a robbery, which is robbery followed by death. This classification is based on the subtraction of the victims’ belongings.

Chief Barletta explained that the motivation for the crime appears to be linked to the theft of objects, including the victims’ cell phones. The police are now focusing their efforts on locating the woman identified as the main subject of investigation and also on investigating the possible involvement of other people in the crime.

Suspect’s aunt appeals for surrender to justice

Nilza Maria Neto, Paola Stefany’s aunt, gave an interview this Wednesday and made a moving appeal for her niece to come forward to the authorities. Amid the pain and confusion, she expressed the belief that Paola may have suffered a seizure, describing the family as “devastated” by the events.

In an emotional statement, the aunt addressed her niece directly: “If it was you who did this atrocity, you must have had an outburst, something. Out of love for your grandparents and your son, show up. If it’s not you, if the owner really gave you the backpack, show up, slap yourself in the face.”

Paola’s aunt revealed that her niece had lived with the family for over a year and, during that period, had never demonstrated any aggressive behavior, which makes the situation even more shocking for her relatives.

“She was a good, hard-working person, she always took care of her son. We are destroyed, stunned. I want justice to be done, whoever it is,” said Nilza Maria, calling for justice. She also shared that Paola had faced mental health problems approximately a year ago, and was admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Belo Horizonte, where she received medication. However, treatment was not maintained regularly, which now raises concerns.