São Paulo Gym Owners Indicted in Fatal Pool Case as Prosecutors Back Arrests

Overview

• Police cite WhatsApp messages and CCTV indicating an unqualified employee mixed pool chemicals under a partner’s direction, and investigators allege efforts to hinder the probe such as deleting chats and telling staff to evade officers.
• The Parque São Lucas unit is interdicted by health and municipal authorities, who report missing operating permits and safety irregularities.
• Three people remain hospitalized, including Juliana Faustino Bassetto’s husband, who is awake and recovering, according to family.
• Prosecutors say temporary detention is needed to secure evidence, while the defense argues the owners are cooperating and has petitioned to overturn the request.
• Laboratory tests on pool water, seized mixtures and the autopsy are still pending to pinpoint the toxic agent and apportion responsibility.