Officials in Brazil are investigating a disturbing case involving Erika de Souza and a 68-year-old man named Paulo Braga. According to reports, de Souza wheeled Braga, who authorities believe was already dead, into a bank branch in an attempt to secure a loan.
Bank Staff Raise the Alarm
Staff at the bank became suspicious when de Souza arrived with Braga slumped in a wheelchair. Footage captured by Brazilian broadcaster TV Globo shows de Souza standing at the counter while Braga remains unresponsive beside her. The video has gone viral, raising questions about de Souza’s intentions and the circumstances surrounding Braga’s death.
A Disturbing Encounter
In the footage, de Souza can be heard urging Braga to sign loan documents. She pleads with him, saying, “Uncle, are you listening? You need to sign [the loan contract]. If you don’t sign, there’s no way, because I can’t sign for you.” Her frustration mounts as she continues, “Sign so you don’t give me any more headaches, I can’t take it anymore.”
De Souza’s attempts to explain Braga’s unresponsiveness only heighten the staff’s concern. When questioned about his stillness, she reportedly claims, “He is like that. He doesn’t say anything. Uncle, do you want to go to the [hospital] again?”
Police chief Fábio Luiz Souza, upon reviewing the video, stated, “Anyone who sees that can see the person was dead.”
Autopsy Sheds Light on Cause of Death
Brazilian news outlet Metrópoles obtained an autopsy report for Braga, revealing a cause of death attributed to bronchoaspiration and heart failure. The report also identified malnourishment as a contributing factor. Bronchoaspiration occurs when food particles or stomach contents enter the lungs, potentially leading to pneumonia.
The autopsy further indicated the presence of blood clots in Braga’s neck, suggesting he died in a reclining position. However, a definitive timeline for his death remains elusive. Business Insider reports that a preliminary forensic analysis could not conclusively determine whether Braga died on the way to the bank, inside the bank, or prior to their arrival.
Erika de Souza’s Defense
De Souza, who was arrested by police following the incident, maintains her innocence. Her lawyer asserts that the events unfolded differently than portrayed. He claims, “The facts did not occur as has been narrated. Paulo was alive when he arrived at the bank. Testimonies exist which will be heard at the opportune moment. He began to feel sick after all these procedures. All of this will be clarified. We believe in the innocence of Senhora Érika.”
The Investigation Continues
As authorities delve deeper into the case, a multitude of questions linger. Was de Souza genuinely unaware of Braga’s death? If not, what motivated her actions? Did Braga’s health condition play a role in the tragic events that transpired? The investigation is ongoing, and only time will tell if these questions will be answered.