Woman killed in MT had left job after alleged promise of restaurant help from accused
Daiany Rodrigues de Souza, a 33-year-old cook, was fatally stabbed in a bar in Confresa, Mato Grosso (MT). She had reportedly left her job at a farm after 63-year-old rancher José da Cruz Evangelista, now the suspect in her murder, promised to help her open her own restaurant. Evangelista has been arrested after confessing to the crime. According to Daiany's sister, the victim owned land in Confresa where the restaurant was to be built, and Evangelista had pledged financial assistance. The family was aware Daiany had left her job to start a life with Evangelista but were unaware of the extent of abuse in their relationship, which began in January. Days before her death, Daiany recorded Evangelista making death threats. The investigation revealed their relationship was not officially married but they lived together. A dispute over a Pix transfer made by Daiany without Evangelista's knowledge reportedly preceded the attack. In the recording, Daiany stated Evangelista had held a knife to her neck three times. The incident occurred when Evangelista allegedly drew a knife during an argument inside the bar. The bar owner attempted to intervene but sustained a minor injury. Daiany was pursued into a room and fatally stabbed. Evangelista voluntarily surrendered to police and remains in custody, with a request for bail denied. He reportedly showed indifference during his custody hearing. This case brings the number of femicides in Mato Grosso to 26 in 2024.
The tragic death of Daiany Rodrigues de Souza highlights systemic failures in domestic violence prevention and intervention. While the perpetrator's alleged promise of financial assistance for a restaurant may have initially appeared supportive, it potentially created a dependency that masked underlying abusive dynamics. The recorded threats underscore a critical failure in protective mechanisms, as Daiany's efforts to document abuse did not prevent the ultimate harm. The legal system's response, including the denial of bail and the suspect's reported indifference, prompts reflection on the effectiveness of current deterrents and rehabilitation programs. Moving forward, a focus on proactive risk assessment, enhanced support for victims documenting abuse, and robust enforcement of protective orders, particularly in contexts where economic interdependence is a factor, will be crucial in mitigating future femicides.
AI-generated to prompt reflection — not editorial opinion, not advice, not a statement of fact. How this works.