Accused cake poisoner found dead in jail cell, husband sought divorce just before she died.
Diego sent the divorce message. His lawyer visited Deise in jail, near Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Deise, age 42, was found dead during roll call by prison guards. Police believe she died by suicide. Reportedly, Deise changed after the divorce news.
She left a note saying she was innocent. Police are checking the note’s details carefully. Deise was jailed last month, suspected of multiple murders and attempts. Police thought the cake had poison, but she always denied it.
Police called her a “serial killer” after her arrest. They claimed the evidence against her was strong. Her mother-in-law baked the cake which made relatives sick. Police believe Deise put arsenic in the flour.
The arsenic killed three people: Maida, Neuza, and Tatiana. They died soon after eating the cake. Police confirmed Deise’s death, finding her at the women’s prison. Staff tried to help her fast, but the medical team declared her dead.
Deise was alone in her cell when it happened. Police and the prison will investigate. The case shocked Brazil over Christmas. Police found a “whitish liquid” at Zeli’s house, as the arsenic came from the cake/flour.
Victims had very high arsenic levels. Arsenic was also in her father-in-law’s body. Paulo died in September before the cake incident.
The family ate Zeli’s Christmas cake, describing its taste as spicy and peppery. Seven people ate the cake in total. Soon, they all felt very sick. Jefferson survived the cake and said people got sick fast. Paramedics came, but three died.
A friend told police about family arguments. Deise argued before the incident. Police searched Deise’s phone for clues, finding she searched for poisons online.
Police said Deise caused family problems, upsetting the family’s harmony. However, they also said these problems were minor and very old.
After Deise’s arrest, suspicion arose about Paulo’s death. Police found arsenic in his body and Deise wanted his cremation, but the family refused. She awaited trial for the connected crimes.