18-year-old girl shot in the head inside her home is confirmed brain dead in Rio; boyfriend was arrested

The 18-year-old girl who was shot in the head inside her home in the Rio das Pedras community, in the Southwest Zone of Rio, was confirmed brain dead this Wednesday (4).

The boyfriend of Anabella Silva Cardoso, who was hospitalized at Hospital Souza Aguiar, in the center of Rio, had his arrest converted into preventive custody during a custody hearing this Tuesday (3). The case was on Sunday (1st).

The hospital management said that "the protocol for confirming the diagnosis of patient Anabella's brain death followed the entire recommended technical process, being finalized this Wednesday (4)". Her body was sent to the Legal Medical Institute.

"It's very sad because it's 18 years, right? We're still in shock. Very revolting too."

Anderson Barbosa Alencar was arrested in the act for attempted feminicide – Photo: Reproduction/TV Globo

The indignation comes from a family member of the victim, who gave an interview during the brain death confirmation protocol.

Her partner, Anderson Barbosa Alencar, was arrested for attempted feminicide and illegal possession of a firearm.

The report spoke to a relative of the young woman, who preferred not to be identified as she lives in a region dominated by organized crime.

Anabella Silva Cardoso, 18 years old, was shot in the head — Photo: Reproduction/TV Globo

The family member also questioned how Anderson, who works in a workshop, had access to two weapons.

“Because we are family members, we are trying to reason what happened, because we cannot understand how a boy who works in a workshop can get two weapons,” he said.

In testimony, Anderson stated that the shooting was accidental. According to him, shortly after shooting, he left the gun on the ground and helped the victim.

Anabella Silva Cardoso, 18 years old, was shot in the head — Photo: Reproduction/TV Globo

The Civil Police, however, considers the version inconsistent. The pistol used in the crime was only located after thorough searches of the couple's residence. The weapon was hidden on the roof of the property, inside a bag.

In the same location, police found chargers, ammunition and another revolver.

The case is investigated by the Capital Homicide Police Station (DHC).

Anabella attends high school and works with her mother in a buffet for events. The family member highlighted the young woman’s dreams and routine.

"Everyone who knows, who met, who interacted with Anabella knows very well what she was like, the type of person she was. She had her job, she studied, she had her dreams."

Police seized a revolver, ammunition and chargers — Photo: Reproduction/TV Globo