A woman from Brazil is accused of causing the death of her former boyfriend by serving him a poisoned milkshake. Ana Paula Velloso Fernandes, aged 36, is suspected of being involved in the deaths of several individuals, including her ex-boyfriend, Ryder Maheris, aged 21, within a span of five months in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
According to investigators, Fernandes and her twin sister, Roberta, allegedly pretended that Ana Paula was pregnant to coerce Ryder into staying in the relationship. When Ryder decided to end the relationship, Fernandes is said to have formulated a lethal plan by purchasing a milkshake, contaminating it, and delivering it to his residence. Subsequently, Ryder became severely ill and passed away shortly after consuming the drink.
Chief Inspector Halisson Ideiao stated, “Ana Paula feigned assistance to Ryder as he was in distress. She even shared a video with her sister, who was reportedly aware of the scheme. Ryder’s death followed soon after.”
Both sisters are currently in custody. Fernandes has acknowledged involvement in various offenses but denies the use of poison, while their legal representatives refute all allegations.
Authorities suspect that Fernandes’ initial victim was Marcelo Fonseco, who allegedly died from poisoning in Guarulhos in January after Fernandes became his tenant. The second victim, Maria Aparecida Rodrigues, was found deceased in April after having coffee at Fernandes’ residence, whom she met on a dating platform. The third victim, a 65-year-old man, was purportedly poisoned with a stew. Detectives believe that Fernandes was recruited 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 in Rio the previous week. The final victim was Fernandes’ former boyfriend from Tunisia, Ryder Maheris.
The alleged murders are believed to have occurred between January and May 2025, in Guarulhos and Sao Paulo in southeastern Brazil, as well as in Duque de Caxias in Rio de Janeiro state.
The Behavioural Analysis Unit of the Sao Paulo Homicide Division has reportedly categorized Fernandes as a serial killer, citing her consistent modus operandi, apparent delight in killing, and emotional detachment as characteristic traits of a repeat poisoner.
G1 has labeled the investigation as “one of the most intricate instances of homicide via poisoning in the region.” Despite her lawyers claiming that Fernandes was merely recounting events to the authorities and asserting her innocence, maintaining that the complete narrative will surface post the investigation’s culmination.