A military police officer in Brazil was caught fatally shooting his wife after an altercation, the New York Post reported Wednesday.
Surveillance captured 36-year-old Thiago de Lima striking 33-year-old Erika de Lima multiple times before shooting her, which led to her death, according to local news outlets, according to the New York Post. The couple, who had been married for approximately six months, were allegedly embroiled in a heated argument in their car last Sunday. The dispute escalated, as Erika attempted to force Thiago out of the car, the outlet reported. Thiago eventually exited and allegedly attacked Erika with a series of punches, followed by at least two gunshots.
🚨GRAVE: Policial Militar agride esposa com socos no rosto e a mata a tiros após discussão em carro.
Thiago Cezar de Lima deu cinco socos em Erika Satelis Ferreira de Lima e depois atirou três vezes nela, no domingo, em Perus, Zona Norte de São Paulo. O criminoso já está preso. pic.twitter.com/62BANfCAga
— DIRETO DO MIOLO (@diretodomiolo) December 4, 2023
Following the shooting, Thiago drove off but returned to the scene shortly after, the New York Post reported. As neighbors emerged from their homes, he allegedly attempted to place Erika back into the car. Despite his efforts to rush her to the hospital, she was declared dead upon arrival. (RELATED: Supreme Court Weighs Domestic Violence Gun Restrictions In Case That Could Have Huge Impact On Second Amendment Law)
About a month prior to the shooting, Erika filed a complaint regarding a domestic violence threat from Thiago, per New York Post. He reportedly became jealous after a night out and pointed a gun at her at home. Erika later decided not to press charges, and Thiago denied the allegations of threatening to shoot her with the gun.
Erika is survived by her two daughters from a previous relationship, per New York Post. Thiago is now facing charges of feminicide, a term used to describe homicides linked to domestic violence or discrimination against women.