Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
Alarming new insights into a fatal incident where three members of a family perishing from a contaminated Christmas cake have been uncovered.
Zeli Silva Dos Anjos, 61, who prepared the traditional Brazilian holiday dessert, was among seven individuals present at a pre-Christmas annual gathering on December 23. However, just four attended survived.
MailOnline can now disclose that two cakes were baked for the event—had any family member chosen to consume the second, safe cake instead of the arsenic-laced one, the tragedy might have been avoided.
The Arson Cake Incident at a Christmas Celebration
Key Revelations from the Affected Family
- Family speculates that the lethal cake might have been tampered with by an external party harboring malice.
- The toxin acted swiftly, causing guests to experience agonizing pain shortly after ingesting the cake.
- Mrs. Anjos remains in critical condition, grappling with overwhelming guilt.
- Previously unverified claims that a family member died last year from ingesting tainted bananas have been confirmed.
The unsettling new details were shared by Isabel Moraes, a close relative, who recounted the circumstances leading to the disaster in Torres near Porto Alegre, southern Brazil.
Details of fatalities
Maida Bernice Flores da Silva, 58, Neuza Denize Silva Dos Anjos, 65, and Neuza’s daughter Tatiana Silvia Dos Santos, 43, succumbed within hours of consuming the cake. Authorities later confirmed traces of lethal arsenic in their systems.
Mrs. Anjos and her 10-year-old great-nephew Mateus, Tatiana’s son, were also poisoned and rushed to the hospital.
Reactions from Affected Family Members
Isabel, Maida’s sister-in-law, spoke about Mrs. Anjos’ state:
‘Zeli is devastated by what transpired. She is overwhelmed with guilt since it was her cake that led to the calamity, but we assure her it was an accident.”
‘She is becoming increasingly anxious, which is hampering her recovery. Her condition is deteriorating instead of improving. She is on a ventilator, and her discharge date is uncertain.’
Sequential Events Leading to the Tragedy
Isabel, a 54-year-old psychologist, recounted the pre-Christmas gathering traditions:
‘Annually, Zeli would bake the cake, and our family would assemble to celebrate the festive season. We are deeply connected, making these gatherings meaningful.’
‘On that fateful day, two cakes were prepared. Zeli baked one, and Maida prepared the other. Regrettably, only Zeli’s cake was consumed. Had they eaten Maida’s, such misfortune might have been averted.’
The Cake was Poisoned
-‘Both cakes rested on the table and Zeli’s was selected because she baked every year. However, shortly after consumption, people reported a bitter taste, and within minutes, agony set in.’
-‘Zeli had consumed two slices before realizing the severity. Despite her warning, others had already ingested the cake, triggering severe reactions. Ambulances quickly arrived, transporting the afflicted to the hospital.’
Affected and Unaffected Participants
The sole individual unharmed was Neuza’s husband Joao, who abstains from sweets, while another, Jefferson, was discharged after a few hours.
Maida passed away on Christmas Eve, Neuza a few hours later, and Tatiana died last, with funeral services conducted on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Family’s Perspective on the Incident
Isabel emphasized Mrs. Anjos’ kindly nature, affirming the incident’s accidental nature stated,
‘Zeli is an extraordinary soul, brimming with life and love. She is incapable of causing harm deliberately.’
Speculated Motives and Remarks from Local Authorities
Regarding the cause, Isabel mentioned, ‘We’ve seen the arsenic reports but suspect tampering. Zeli would never harm anyone.’
‘It perplexes everyone. The police echoes this confusion, noting the incident’s inexplicable nature yet confirms new revelations hint at foul play from someone intends harm to the family – possibly ab user or custody dispute are still uncertain.’
The Impact of Floods and Community Response
Recalling the floods that struck the area in May, Isabel noted, ‘They lost everything and received substantial donations, including food and utensils that helped them start over again. The idea of specially targets contents in the donation makes the heart sink’
‘If someone caused this deliberately then they probably harbored a grudge against our family. Though the motive remains uncertain.’
Isabel’s brother was deeply affected, having lost his wife of 37 years. ‘She was a beloved teacher, and they shared a passion for travel, spending quality time together in their motorhome when Maida was not teaching in school.’
‘Our family finds solace in faith and prayer. Everyone has been attending church regularly, seeking solace and support from one another.’
The Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation
Isabel also confirmed that Mrs. Anjos’ husband, Paulo, had passed away in September from food poisoning caused by suspected tainted bananas following the flood. She mentioned the family’s faith in the police investigation and their concern for Zeli’s recovery, hoping she would survive this ordeal.
A medical update from Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes on New Year’s Day stated Zeli remained in intensive care ‘stable but her lung condition remains in dilemma.’