Victims of attacks by a fighter in a building in Rio meet again after medical discharge: 'One seeing the other's pain'

Neighbors Dilva Barbosa and Ms. Célia, 81, met again for the first time since being discharged from the hospital.

The two were attacked by Lucas Portela Fontana Gomes, 32 years old, during a night of violence in a building in the North Zone of Rio de Janeiro, last week.

The reunion, marked by an emotional hug, was shown by Fantástico this Sunday (8).

"Our pain, seeing each other's pain, calms us down. I felt the same pain as you, the same panic as you", said Ms. Célia.

"I was happy to see you recover. It makes me even stronger", replied Dilva.

The attacks began when Lucas broke into the apartment of Ms. Célia, 81, and began attacking her. The elderly woman suffered head trauma and had to be hospitalized.

“He is very cowardly, attacking an 81-year-old woman,” said Ms. Célia. She also said that she only realized the severity of the injuries when she looked in the mirror, after being discharged from the hospital. "It was scary. My God, what did the guy do to me?", he said.

Another neighbor, Vera, also had her apartment broken into and received death threats. She managed to escape with her children.

Upon learning that an elderly woman was still in Vera's apartment, Dilva decided to go up to try to help her. But, when the elevator door opened, she was surprised by the attacker and received more than 30 blows, including punches, kicks and elbows.

"I only thought about my daughter. I fought for her. I needed to live for my daughter", Dilva told Fantástico.

Lucas had preventive detention ordered. Police are investigating the attacks as attempted feminicide.

Lucas' defense stated that the attacks were a serious reaction to the use of controlled medications. However, no toxicological examination was carried out to determine whether he was under the influence of any substance.