A family celebration in Torres, Brazil went wrong when three women reportedly died from poisoning after taking bites of a traditional Christmas cake.
The victims are: Tatiana Denize Silva dos Anjos, 43, and Maida Berenice Flores da Silva, 58, who died on December 23, while Neuza Denize Silva dos Anjos, 65, died the following day, being hospitalized in serious condition.
Bolo de Natal is a typical Christmas dessert in Brazil. She and her sister, 61-year-old Zeli Terezinha Silva dos Anjos, who is hospitalized, prepared the cake. Also reportedly sick are three other family members, including a 10-year-old boy, though they are said to be recovering.
Local police launched an investigation after traces of arsenic were reportedly found in blood tests conducted on some victims. The house where the cake was prepared contained expired food products, including a suspicious medicine bottle with a white liquid.
Authorities are also revisiting the death of Zeli’s husband, who died from food poisoning in September. His body is set to be exhumed for further examination.
Officer Marcos Vinicius Veloso, who led the case, said there were no signs of family disputes or motives that may have stemmed from inheritance.
As for the cake, “that was a treasured tradition” said a family friend and added, “It was a staple for the holidays, something they made every year.”
The case continues as the authorities are trying to find out what led to the poisoning and seek justice for the family affected.
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