Brazilian Christmas cake killer found dead in prison

Deise Moura dos Anjos, accused of poisoning three family members with arsenic-laced cake, was found dead in prison.

Deise Moura dos Anjos, who was accused of fatally poisoning three of her in-laws with arsenic-laced Christmas cake, has been found dead in her prison cell. 

According to local news outlets, Deise Moura dos Anjos’ body was discovered during a routine daily check at the Guaíba Women's State Penitentiary in Brazil. Officials have confirmed the cause of death as "self-inflicted mechanical asphyxiation."

Deise had been in custody since January 5, following her arrest on suspicion of poisoning a fruitcake made for her family during Christmas. On Christmas Eve, seven family members became ill after eating the cake, and three tragically died within hours. Tatiana Denize Silva dos Anjos and Maida Berenice Flores da Silva both died of cardiac arrest, while Neuza Denize Silva dos Anjos died from shock related to food poisoning.

In addition to the Christmas poisoning, authorities were investigating Deise's involvement in the earlier death of her father-in-law, Paulo Luiz dos Anjos. In September, Paulo died from an intestinal infection after consuming bananas and powdered milk brought to him by Deise. Subsequent tests confirmed arsenic poisoning, suggesting foul play.

Deise had been transferred from Torres Women's State Prison to Guaíba for security reasons just days before her death. Despite being under investigation for multiple deaths, the police are now looking into the circumstances surrounding her death.