Maria Rizomar Ferreira Cruz (pictured), 56, was stabbed to death on Travessa Luís Rafanelli in Grajaú, in the South Zone of São Paulo, early Sunday morning (Sept. 20). The victim posted content about her daily life on TikTok. The case is being investigated as a homicide.
Witnesses told the Military Police that the person responsible for the crime is Francisca Luiz da Silva, 43, a neighbor of the victim.
Initially, police found the body of an unidentified woman on the street curb. Maria Rizomar's identity was confirmed after witnesses reported having seen the crime. Security camera footage was obtained, confirming the incident.
According to the Military Police, a witness reported hearing an argument between two women around 5:30 AM. Francisca was holding a knife and saying, "I'm going to kill you, I'm going to kill you." The suspect reportedly mentioned that the two had been drinking together moments earlier.
Maria Rizomar reportedly tried to defend herself but was stabbed and fell to the ground. The perpetrator initially left the scene but returned to inflict further blows on the victim. After the attack, she reportedly shouted, "Call the police; I really did kill her."
Police are investigating whether the crime is linked to an alleged extramarital affair between the victim and the perpetrator's husband.
Officers went to the perpetrator's home but did not find her. A bloodstained knife was found on the floor.
