Unaware of This Ingredient... Three Members of a Brazilian Family Die After Eating Christmas Cake

Police Investigating as Murder Case

A tragic incident occurred in Brazil during Christmas when three members of a family died after eating a commemorative cake. According to authorities' investigation, the cake was found to contain the toxic substance 'arsenic,' sparking widespread controversy.

On the 28th (local time), foreign media including the UK’s The Mirror reported that the family of Jelly Terezina Silva dos Anjos, residing in Brazil, gathered on the 23rd to share a Christmas commemorative cake.

The cake eaten by the victim of this case, Jeli Terezina Silva dos Anjos from Brazil (left), and the Jeli family. Photo by The Mirror

However, immediately after consuming the cake, their health rapidly deteriorated, and some were rushed to the emergency room. Ultimately, three of the six who ate the cake died from poisoning symptoms. Among the deceased was a 10-year-old great-grandchild.

The local Brazilian police promptly investigated the cake consumed by the family and discovered that it contained arsenic. Arsenic is a heavy metal present in soil and the natural environment and is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. If introduced into the human body, it can cause fatal conditions such as organ dysfunction, anemia, skin diseases, and cancer. Additionally, once inside the body, it is not easily expelled and accumulates, causing various harmful diseases.

Although arsenic is generally used as an ingredient in rat poison and pesticides, it is never added to food. Accordingly, the police have reclassified the case from accidental death to murder and are investigating all possibilities.

Furthermore, during a search of the homes of the family and related parties, the police reportedly found unidentified empty bottles and medicine containers. Analysis of the substances in the bottles is currently underway.

Jelly, who became a victim of this tragic event during the Christmas period, expressed shock during police questioning, saying, "I cannot understand why or who tried to kill me." The police have secured statements from 10 members of the Jelly family and are conducting an investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the incident. The police stated, "No signs of family conflict or discord have been found in this case," adding, "Although this is a mysterious incident, we will uncover the truth through a thorough investigation."