Story By Marija Stojkoska
News Editor Ajda Ender
A 40-year-old medical student mum who was allegedly killed by her abusive younger boyfriend had been stabbed more than 100 times in the frenzied attack.
LetIcia de Morais Vasconcelos Rodrigues, 40, poses in undated photo. She was stabbed to death in her apartment on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Barbacena, Brazil. Note: Private picture. (Newsflash/NX)
The body of Leticia de Morais Vasconcelos Rodrigues was discovered on 27th June in her apartment on Rua Campolide, in the Campo neighbourhood of Barbacena, Minas Gerais state, Brazil, a residential area in the south-eastern region of the country.
Gustavo Dutra Lima, 24, poses in undated photo. He stabbed LetIcia de Morais Vasconcelos Rodrigues, 40, to death on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Barbacena, Brazil. Note: Private picture. (Newsflash/NX)
Emergency crews from the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU) confirmed her death at the scene after officers forced entry into the property following a welfare check requested by concerned friends.
LetIcia de Morais Vasconcelos Rodrigues, 40, poses in undated photo. She was stabbed to death in her apartment on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Barbacena, Brazil. Note: Private picture. (Newsflash/NX)
Police said the victim had suffered multiple stab wounds concentrated across her head, neck, back, ears and hands, with new forensic reports indicating more than 100 injuries in total.
LetIcia de Morais Vasconcelos Rodrigues, 40, poses in undated photo. She was stabbed to death in her apartment on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Barbacena, Brazil. Note: Private picture. (Newsflash/NX)
Investigators identified her boyfriend, Gustavo Dutra Lima, 25, also a medical student, as the main suspect in the killing after he was last seen at the apartment overnight before leaving the following morning.
LetIcia de Morais Vasconcelos Rodrigues, 40, (right) poses with unidentified woman in undated photo. She was stabbed to death in her apartment on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Barbacena, Brazil. Note: Private picture. (Newsflash/NX)
Friends raised the alarm after they were unable to contact Leticia and contacted her ex-husband, who, with a neighbour, entered the apartment and found her body inside.
LetIcia de Morais Vasconcelos Rodrigues, 40, poses in undated photo. She was stabbed to death in her apartment on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Barbacena, Brazil. Note: Private picture. (Newsflash/NX
A friend of Leticia, who had known her for 17 years, described the relationship as abusive and controlling, claiming the suspect was manipulative, jealous and possessive throughout their time together.
LetIcia de Morais Vasconcelos Rodrigues, 40, poses with boyfriend Gustavo Dutra Lima, 24, in undated photo. She was stabbed to death by him in her apartment on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Barbacena, Brazil. Note: Private picture. (Newsflash/NX)
She said the victim had previously reported threats and harassment to police in February 2026, and that another violent episode had taken place in August 2025.
LetIcia de Morais Vasconcelos Rodrigues, 40, poses in undated photo. She was stabbed to death in her apartment on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Barbacena, Brazil. Note: Private picture. (Newsflash/NX)
According to the friend, Leticia had been close to completing her medical degree and had recently presented her final dissertation, describing her as dedicated and committed to her studies and her two children.
LetIcia de Morais Vasconcelos Rodrigues, 40, poses in undated photo. She was stabbed to death in her apartment on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Barbacena, Brazil. Note: Private picture. (Newsflash/NX)
The same friend said the suspect attempted to mislead investigators after the killing by contacting acquaintances and asking about the victim’s whereabouts while pretending to be her.
LetIcia de Morais Vasconcelos Rodrigues, 40, poses in undated photo. She was stabbed to death in her apartment on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Barbacena, Brazil. Note: Private picture. (Newsflash/NX)
She also alleged that he sent messages from the victim’s phone after the killing and took her personal belongings, including her phone, wallet and cards.
LetIcia de Morais Vasconcelos Rodrigues, 40, poses in undated photo. She was stabbed to death in her apartment on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Barbacena, Brazil. Note: Private picture. (Newsflash/NX)
Police said Lima left the property on 28th June and was later found in Bom Jardim de Minas, around 180 kilometres away, after attempting to flee the area.
LetIcia de Morais Vasconcelos Rodrigues, 40, poses in undated photo. She was stabbed to death in her apartment on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Barbacena, Brazil. Note: Private picture. (Newsflash/NX)
Officers detained him after discovering bank cards belonging to the victim in his possession at the time of arrest.
Gustavo Dutra Lima, 24, poses in undated photo. stabbed LetIcia de Morais Vasconcelos Rodrigues, 40, to death in her apartment on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Barbacena, Brazil. Note: Private picture. (Newsflash/NX)
Police said investigations are ongoing and the case is being treated as femicide, with further details withheld to protect the inquiry.
Lima remains in custody at Sao Joao del Rei prison pending further proceedings.
(Marija Stojkoska/Newsflash)
