Deise, accused of poisoning her family with cake, found dead in Brazil jail cell after arrest.
Deise was arrested January 5. She allegedly poisoned a Christmas fruitcake, and three family members died after eating it. Investigators looked at another death; her father-in-law, Paulo, had an infection and reportedly ate bananas and milk from Deise.
Paulo’s body was exhumed, and tests showed he consumed arsenic.
Deise likely hanged herself in her cell and was alone at the time of her death. She was in a prison in Brazil, where she had been moved for safety reasons.
The poisoning happened on Christmas Eve. Seven family members got sick eating the cake. Tatiana and Maida died from cardiac arrest, while Neuza died from food poisoning shock.
Zeli, Deise’s mother-in-law, survived eating two cake slices and left the hospital in January. A ten-year-old also ate some cake and lived.
Authorities think Zeli was Deise’s main target. Deise baked the cake in one town then brought it to another.
Detective Veloso spoke about Deise’s target. He said Zeli was present for the poisoned milk and was also there as Deise baked the cake.
After Deise died, police will investigate. The Civil Police will examine the details, and the Forensics Institute will help.