Benjamin Ribeiro, aged 7, and Ythallo Rosa, aged 6, encountered a horrifying situation outside their school premises in Cavalcanti, a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. An unknown woman, reportedly approaching them on a motorcycle, offered the children chocolate.
Rosa’s 12-year-old cousin, who was present at the scene, recounted to O Dia that although he refused the candy because he wasn't hungry, his younger cousins accepted it. Later that day, the dire consequences of this seemingly innocent act came to light.
The incident rapidly escalated by the afternoon of September 30. Shortly after eating the chocolate, both Benjamin and Ythallo began showing distressing symptoms. According to Felipe Rodrigues, Benjamin's father, the boys experienced severe vomiting and fainted within hours of consumption.
Innocuous Gift Turns Tragic Outside School
Ythallo Rosa succumbed to the adverse effects of the poison a few hours later, suffering from cardiac arrest, which ultimately led to his death. Benjamin's condition deteriorated significantly; he was declared brain dead on Monday following the incident and tragically passed away two days later.
A post-mortem examination carried out on the children revealed a horrifying detail. The candy that the boys consumed was laced with rat poison. Specialists determined that the specific toxin was an insecticide banned for sale within Brazil.
The medical evidence was corroborated by autopsy reports which confirmed the presence of the insecticide in their bodies, and partially digested pieces of chocolate were found in Ythallo Rosa's stomach.
Detectives Scour For Clues on Perpetrator
The Rio de Janeiro Civil Police Capital Homicide Division has taken charge of the investigation. They are meticulously examining surveillance footage from around the school on that fateful day to identify the woman responsible. So far, her identity and whereabouts remain unknown.
The authorities have a crucial lead: the woman was last observed fleeing the scene on a motorcycle. However, they have decided against releasing any images of the suspect to the public just yet. This decision aims to control potential mob justice and ensure a fair investigation process.
Miguel Couto Municipal Hospital was the site where both children were rushed in a desperate attempt to save their lives. Despite the medical staff's efforts, the boys could not overcome the effects of the poison.
Community Mourns the Loss of Innocent Lives
The community and families of the victims have been left reeling from the shock and grief of this tragic incident. Benjamin's aunt, Kayanne Rodrigues, expressed her anguish on social media, stating, "They destroyed my family, they took our Benjamin from us."
The loss of these young lives has sparked a broader conversation about safety protocols for children around school areas. It serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers that can lurk in seemingly safe environments.
The ongoing police search for the suspect is vigorous, with hopes to provide some closure to the bereaved families and prevent any such incidents in the future. Meanwhile, the school community and residents stand in solidarity, mourning the untimely loss of Benjamin and Ythallo.
