Teenager paralyzed by stray bullet dies over a year later from pneumonia

Antônio Augusto Fonseca, an 18-year-old from São Gotardo, Brazil, has died more than a year after being paralyzed by a stray bullet. The incident occurred on December 28, 2024, during a party when his employer, Sebastião Camargos de Oliveira, 29, fired a shot into the air. The bullet struck Antônio, severing his spinal cord and perforating a lung, leaving him tetraplegic. Despite surviving the initial injury and undergoing extensive rehabilitation, Antônio succumbed to pneumonia on July 9. His mother, Stefane Gabriela de Oliveira, described his prolonged struggle, including a stroke and severe respiratory issues, noting that doctors had considered his survival miraculous. She recounted the immense personal toll, including leaving her job as a teacher to provide constant care, sleeping on the floor for months, and experiencing significant emotional and physical distress. Antônio, who was passionate about horses, was remembered for his charisma. His mother also expressed concerns about the delayed administration of oxygen by emergency services during his final moments. Sebastião Camargos de Oliveira was initially indicted for attempted homicide, illegal firearm possession, firing a weapon, and driving under the influence. He was held in preventive detention but later released on bail with restrictive measures. His defense stated he was remorseful, but the case is ongoing.