A wave of grief has swept through Brazil's municipality of Itumbiara in the state of Goiás after a tragic incident in the early hours of Thursday, February 12. Thales Naves Alves Machado, a 40-year-old public servant, shot his two children before committing suicide after watching a video showing his wife kissing an unknown man in a restaurant.
What Exactly Happened?
Machado, who earlier suspected that his wife was having an affair with another man, hired a private detective, and he sent him the video of a restaurant to Machoado. The govt officer then went home and shot his minor sons and then committed suicide.
12-year-old Miguel Araújo Machado died shortly after being admitted to Modesto de Carvalho Municipal Hospital. 8-year-old Benício was taken to Itumbiara São Marcos State Hospital, where he died hours later. The incident has shocked the town and the wider state.
Machado was married to Sarah Tinoco Araújo, daughter of Dione Araújo of União Brasil. The children’s mother was out of town when the incident occurred.
According to reports, Thales allegedly acted after learning of suspected infidelity. Hours earlier, he had shared a family photo on social media of himself holding one of his sons in his arms, with the caption: "Blessed by God to have you, dad loves you very much." Speaking about the importance of his children and family. He also posted a farewell note apologising to loved ones and expressing emotional distress.
Also Read | Michigan Shooting: Suspect in Custody After Active Shooter Incident in Delta Township.
3-Day Mourning in Itumbiara
The Itumbiara municipal administration has declared three days of official mourning and suspended its activities. The mayor suffered a health crisis after receiving the news, while the children’s mother left the wake early after facing verbal abuse from some attendees.
Family psychology experts say incidents of this nature highlight the dangers linked to extreme emotional distress and jealousy. Authorities are investigating the case as a double homicide followed by suicide, and the community is calling for better emotional-support systems and preventive measures.
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Helpline Numbers:Tele Manas (Ministry of Health) – 14416 or 1800 891 4416; NIMHANS – 080-46110007; Peak Mind – 080-456 87786; Vandrevala Foundation – 9999 666 555; Arpita Suicide Prevention Helpline – 080-23655557; iCALL – 022-25521111 and 9152987821; COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ) – 8322252525.