A 59-year-old grandmother, Izabel Cardoso de Andrade, has been arrested in Brazil after allegedly poisoning her two grandchildren with a homemade cake — a tragedy that claimed the life of a nine-year-old girl.
According to police reports, the incident occurred on July 23, 2025, in São Francisco, eastern Brazil, while the children were visiting their grandparents during the summer holidays.
The younger child, Alana dos Santos Cardoso Marques (9), became gravely ill almost immediately after eating the cake. Her 11-year-old sister, who consumed a smaller portion, also fell sick but survived with milder symptoms.
Even the family cat reportedly died after tasting the baked treat.
Shortly after eating the cake, both children began vomiting and complaining of severe stomach pain. Alana’s condition quickly worsened, and witnesses said she expelled a white liquid from her nose.
Her grandparents called for help, and a neighbour rushed her to a nearby hospital. Tragically, Alana died shortly after arrival from cardiopulmonary arrest.
Investigators collected samples of the cake from the family home. Forensic tests revealed traces of terbufos, a highly toxic pesticide.
Terbufos is known to attack the central nervous system, causing muscle weakness, seizures, breathing difficulties, cramps, and — in severe cases — death.
Post-mortem tests confirmed the chemical was present in Alana’s body.
The family’s cat also died of liver failure, further pointing to poisoning.
Police arrested Cardoso de Andrade on Friday, September 19, 2025. Authorities are still investigating whether the poisoning was intentional or a tragic accident.
The grandmother’s lawyer, Raphael Simões de Moraes Neto, said she has been cooperating with investigators and voluntarily allowed her home to be searched.
No clear motive has been established so far.A Community in Shock the incident has sparked outrage and sorrow in the local community, with many demanding answers about how such a deadly pesticide found its way into a cake meant for children.
Police continue to investigate as the surviving child recovers.
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