A woman from Brazil is accused of causing the death of her former boyfriend by giving him a milkshake containing poison.
Ana Paula Velloso Fernandes, aged 36, is suspected of being involved in the deaths of four individuals, including her ex-boyfriend, Ryder Maheris, who was 21 years old. These incidents occurred over a five-month period in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
According to investigators, Fernandes and her twin sister, Roberta, allegedly deceived Ryder by pretending to be pregnant to coerce him into staying in the relationship. When Ryder decided to end the relationship, Fernandes purportedly devised a lethal scheme: she purchased a milkshake, spiked it with poison, and delivered it to his residence. Following consumption, Ryder became severely ill and passed away shortly after.
Chief Inspector Halisson Ideiao stated, “Ana Paula feigned assistance as he was in distress. She even sent a video to her sister, who was reportedly complicit in the plan. Consequently, Ryder succumbed to the poisoning.”
Both siblings are currently under arrest, as reported by local media outlet G1. Fernandes has confessed to involvement in multiple crimes but denies the use of poison, while their legal representatives reject all allegations.
Authorities suspect that the initial victim was Marcelo Fonseco, supposedly poisoned in Guarulhos in January after Fernandes moved in as a tenant. The second victim, Maria Aparecida Rodrigues, met Fernandes through a dating application and was later discovered deceased in April after consuming coffee at Fernandes’ residence.
The third victim, a 65-year-old male, was allegedly poisoned with a stew. Detectives believe Fernandes was hired by her classmate, Michele Paiva da Silva, to eliminate Neil Correia da Silva – her father – for £550 (4,000 Brazilian Real).
Paiva da Silva, a 43-year-old law student and bus driver, was apprehended last week in Rio. The final victim was Fernandes’ former boyfriend from Tunisia, Ryder Maheris.
All four alleged killings are believed to have occurred between January and May 2025 in Guarulhos and Sao Paulo in the southeastern region of Brazil, as well as in Duque de Caxias in Rio de Janeiro state.
Reportedly, the Behavioural Analysis Unit of the Sao Paulo Homicide Division has labeled Fernandes as a serial killer, citing her consistent behavioral patterns, apparent enjoyment in causing harm, and emotional detachment, which align with traits commonly seen in repeat poisoners.
G1 has described the investigation as “one of the most intricate cases of poisoning-related homicides in the region.” Despite her lawyers’ claims that she is innocent and merely recounting events to the police, the full truth is expected to surface upon the conclusion of the investigation.