A mother’s piercing scream echoed through the house as she entered her daughter’s room to discover the lifeless body of the 20-year-old with a fractured neck. Júlia de Paula Barbosa was found deceased in the early hours of October 5, bearing numerous bruises and suffering from a broken hand, foot, and neck. Her mother, Jozi Maria de Paula, was horrified to see the extent of the injuries, suspected to be the result of a violent assault. Jozi recounted the heartbreaking scene, describing her daughter lying on the bed in a black jacket, covered in bruises, with her face and body showing signs of trauma.
Júlia’s boyfriend, Aleff Wingler, 25, has been taken into custody in connection with the incident. Jozi firmly believes that he is responsible for the tragic events, mentioning that he had left and taken Júlia’s key. The harrowing incident unfolded at their residence in Cariacica, north east of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Aleff was apprehended in Serra, north of Vitoria, as he attempted to board a bus to São Mateus in the state of Espírito Santo.
Júlia, a promising architecture student, is mourned by her family and friends, including her sister and cousin. Her cousin Jessica expressed sorrow over the loss of a young woman with a bright future ahead. Maria Eduarda, a close friend, shared heartfelt sentiments of eternal love for Júlia. Law enforcement is treating the case as a femicide, and investigations are actively ongoing.