IML Autopsy Finds Repeated Assaults and Sexual Violence in Death of 3-Year-Old

Overview

• The IML autopsy concluded the boy died after repeated physical assaults that caused internal hemorrhage, facial injuries and intestinal laceration, with findings described as unusually severe for a child.
• The child's father, Igor Gustavo Veloso de Sousa, and the father's partner, Kathellen Moreira, were placed in preventive custody on suspicion of qualified homicide, torture and omission, and Igor's OAB registration has been suspended.
• Police say the father first reported a pool drowning but the autopsy found no signs of drowning and investigators note a delay in reporting and signs the scene had been cleaned, which authorities view as an attempt to build an alternate explanation.
• The mother had previously complained that the child returned from visits with injuries and recorded a video in which the boy said he did not want to go to his father's house because “he hits me,” and her lawyers say court-ordered visitation and threats limited her options.
• Prosecutors are awaiting complementary forensic tests for semen, alcohol and drugs that could refine charges, and the DHPP says the inquiry remains open with possible additional suspects or allegations as defenses contest aspects of the detentions.