On Sunday, December 3, 2023, a surveillance video in São Paulo, Brazil, captured a 36-year-old off-duty military police officer, Thiago de Lima, fatally shooting his 33-year-old wife, Erika de Lima, after an intense physical altercation.

The footage depicts a severe argument between the couple next to their car, which quickly turned physical. Erika was seen trying to eject Thiago from the vehicle before he exited and assaulted her, striking her face multiple times. Following the assault, Thiago allegedly fired at least two shots at Erika, causing her to fall.

Thiago departed the scene briefly but returned to move his injured wife back into the car, as neighbors started to gather. Erika was subsequently taken to a hospital by Thiago, where she succumbed to her injuries. 

Thiago de Lima is now accused of feminicide, a term used for homicides stemming from domestic violence or discrimination against women. Prior to this incident, Erika had filed a police report alleging a domestic violence threat from Thiago, who purportedly aimed a gun at her head. She had decided not to press charges, and Thiago denied the accusations. The couple had been married for about six months.

This case has brought renewed focus to the pervasive issue of feminicide in Brazil, a country facing a high incidence of violence against women. Erika de Lima is mourned by her two daughters from a previous relationship.