A woman from Brazil is accused of causing the death of her former boyfriend by serving him a milkshake laced with poison. Ana Paula Velloso Fernandes, 36, is suspected of being involved in the deaths of four individuals, including her ex-boyfriend, Ryder Maheris, over a five-month period in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Allegedly, Fernandes and her twin sister, Roberta, deceived Ryder by pretending to be pregnant to keep him in the relationship. When Ryder decided to end the relationship, Fernandes purportedly devised a lethal scheme by purchasing a milkshake, contaminating it, and delivering it to his residence. Subsequently, Ryder became severely ill and passed away shortly after.
Chief Inspector Halisson Ideiao stated, “Ana Paula feigned assistance as he was dying. She even filmed a video for her sister, who was reportedly complicit in the plan. Ryder succumbed shortly after.” Both sisters are currently in custody. Fernandes has acknowledged involvement in multiple incidents but denies using poison, whereas their legal representatives reject all allegations.
Authorities believe Fernandes’ initial victim was Marcelo Fonseco, allegedly poisoned in Guarulhos in January. The second victim was Maria Aparecida Rodrigues, who was found dead in April after having coffee at Fernandes’ home. The third victim, a 65-year-old man, was purportedly poisoned with a stew. Detectives suspect Fernandes was hired by her classmate Michele Paiva da Silva to eliminate Neil Correia da Silva, her father, for a fee.
Paiva da Silva, a 43-year-old law student and bus driver, was apprehended in Rio last week. The final victim was Fernandes’ former Tunisian boyfriend, Ryder Maheris. These alleged murders are believed to have occurred between January and May 2025 in Guarulhos, Sao Paulo, and Duque de Caxias in Rio de Janeiro state.
The Behavioural Analysis Unit of the Sao Paulo Homicide Division reportedly classifies Fernandes as a serial killer, citing her consistent behavior pattern, apparent enjoyment in killing, and emotional detachment aligning with a repeat poisoner’s characteristics. G1 labels the investigation as “one of the most intricate cases of fatal poisoning in the state.” Fernandes’ legal team maintains her innocence, asserting that she was merely recounting the events to the authorities, and deny her culpability, awaiting the conclusion of the investigation.