A 13-year-old British boy has been stabbed to death in Portugal in a horrific domestic violence incident, allegedly by his mother's ex-partner—a convicted murderer who was released early from prison. The suspect later died in a gas explosion at the scene.
A Tragic Sequence of Violence in Central Portugal
The incident occurred on Tuesday in the parish of Casais, Tomar, in central Portugal. Authorities confirmed that the family was already known to them due to previous domestic violence complaints.
The victim has been named as Alfie Hallet. The alleged attacker, named locally as 43-year-old Portuguese national Goncalo Carvalho, is said to have fatally stabbed the teenager inside the family home. Carvalho, who had a criminal record, was the ex-partner of Alfie's mother.
According to Portugal's Polícia Judiciária (PJ), Carvalho had previously served a prison sentence for aggravated homicide. He was convicted of stabbing another man 35 times in a park when he was just 19 years old. He served nearly 15 years before being released early for good behaviour around a decade ago.
History of Complaints and a Failed Escape
Local reports indicate the family's situation had been repeatedly flagged. Alfie himself had bravely filed complaints about domestic violence between 2022 and 2023. The situation was reported again in 2023, after which his mother and Carvalho separated. However, neighbours stated the man continued to visit the property regularly, with some saying he spent nights sleeping in his car outside in what was described as 'obsessive' behaviour.
Police believe Carvalho attacked Alfie's mother first, assaulting her and tying her hands and feet, before stabbing Alfie to death. The suspect then used the same knife to seriously injure himself.
As emergency responders arrived just after midday, Carvalho deliberately barricaded himself inside the property, causing a gas explosion. The blast injured a police officer from the GNR police force. Carvalho was declared dead at the scene.
Alfie's mother managed to free herself and sought help from neighbours, who found her badly beaten and with plastic ties around her wrists and ankles. She was taken to hospital for treatment.
Community Mourns a Young Athlete
Tributes have poured in for Alfie, who was a keen basketball player for the Tomar-based club Sport Club Operario Cem Soldos (SCOCS). The club posted a heartfelt message, saying their basketball section had 'become poorer today'. They noted Alfie had played his last game just days before, on Saturday.
Trainer Ana Bengala said the sports community was 'deeply shaken' by the death of a 'cherished member'. The regional Santarem Basketball Association and Chamusca Basket Clube, a team Alfie played against recently, also expressed their deep sorrow and condolences.
Local parish council leader Luis Freire acknowledged the violent history, stating, 'There had been a number of violent episodes between the couple and I think the GNR police force was aware of that. This time round the outcome was a very bad one.'
Neighbours expressed anger and disbelief, with one questioning why a tragedy had to occur despite the known complaints. Another pointedly remarked on Carvalho's early release, saying, 'He was let out of jail early... and didn't serve all his time inside. And now he's gone and committed the same type of crime.'
A Foreign Office spokesperson told the Daily Mail they are in contact with local authorities and stand ready to provide consular support to the family.
