On Sunday, December 3, 2023, in São Paulo, Brazil, a 36-year-old off-duty military police officer was caught on surveillance footage fatally shooting his wife of six months, 33-year-old Erika de Lima, after a violent altercation.
The video shows the couple engaged in a heated argument that escalated into physical violence outside their vehicle. Erika is seen attempting to remove her husband, Thiago de Lima, from the car before he exits and repeatedly punches her in the face. Thiago de Lima then allegedly shot his wife at least twice, causing her to collapse.
Thiago initially left the scene but returned to assist his injured wife into the car, as local residents began to emerge from their homes. Erika was later taken to a hospital by Thiago, where she was pronounced dead.
Thiago de Lima is now facing charges of feminicide, defined as a homicide involving domestic and family violence or discrimination against women.
Approximately a month before this tragic event, Erika had reported a domestic violence threat from Thiago, where he allegedly pointed a gun at her head following a night out. Although she did not press charges at that time, Thiago had reportedly denied the allegations.
This incident has highlighted the ongoing issue of feminicide in Brazil, a nation that continues to struggle with high rates of violence against women. Erika de Lima is survived by two daughters from a previous relationship.
