Belo Horizonte Maid Suspected of Elderly Couple's Murder Investigated for Aided Escape

Police in Belo Horizonte are investigating Paola Stefany Neto Cirino, who confessed to fatally stabbing an elderly couple, for potentially receiving assistance to flee the scene. Security footage indicates Cirino left the victims' apartment and entered a waiting white luxury car shortly after the crime. Investigators are examining this vehicle, identified as a BYD Song valued at approximately R$250,000, to determine its owner and involvement in the escape. The car waited for over 15 minutes, which authorities find unusual for a typical ride-share service. Cirino reportedly disposed of some items before entering the car, which then transported her to downtown Belo Horizonte. From there, she used a ride-sharing service to travel to Ribeirão das Neves. The victims' bodies were discovered on Sunday, October 29th, in their apartment in the São Pedro neighborhood. Cirino, who worked as a maid for the couple, was apprehended in Itabira. Authorities suggest the motive for the murders was financial, citing Cirino's significant debts from gambling, for which her family had reportedly paid around R$40,000 to a loan shark. Some stolen items, including watches and gold bracelets, were allegedly sold by Cirino in Praça Sete for approximately R$3,300. One stolen cell phone has been recovered, and efforts are underway to locate the remaining possessions. Cirino's defense stated that their arguments will be presented during the appropriate legal proceedings.