Secretary Accused of Poisoning 90-Year-Old Doctor to Steal £70,000
A trusted secretary has been charged with attempting to murder a renowned 90-year-old cardiologist by poisoning him with arsenic over more than a year, while simultaneously embezzling approximately £70,000 from his bank accounts, according to prosecutors in Brazil.
Forensic Evidence Confirms Prolonged Arsenic Exposure
Bruna Garcia faces allegations of attempted aggravated homicide after Dr Victor Murad accused her of administering arsenic to conceal the theft of over half a million Brazilian reais. Forensic analysis of Dr Murad's hair samples has confirmed prolonged exposure to the toxic substance for at least one year and three months. Arsenic poisoning can lead to severe health complications, including various cancers, organ failure, and potentially death.
Garcia, who had worked at Dr Murad's clinic since 2013 and is the daughter of a former colleague, allegedly had complete control over the doctor's finances. Prosecutors claim she used this authority to siphon funds as Dr Murad's health deteriorated, spending the embezzled money on a lavish lifestyle. This included luxury trips to the resort town of Paraty, boat excursions, and stays at mountain hotels.
Severe Symptoms and Discovery of the Alleged Scheme
As the alleged fraud escalated, Garcia is accused of conspiring to murder Dr Murad to prevent discovery of the financial misconduct. Meanwhile, Dr Murad began experiencing severe symptoms, such as vomiting blood, anaemia, and constant trembling, which puzzled his family and led to multiple emergency hospital admissions.
The scheme reportedly unravelled last year when Dr Murad and his wife attempted a transaction and found their bank balance insufficient. Their bank manager informed them they were spending too much, prompting a confrontation. Garcia subsequently quit her job, and after her departure, another hospital employee discovered a bottle of arsenic in a storage room.
Upon Garcia's arrest, police found that the poison was purchased in her husband's name, but investigators concluded he was unaware of her actions. Dr Murad, now recovering at home, expressed his devastation, stating, What she did to me was cruel. Absolutely cruel. She betrayed me terribly. He added, I trusted her blindly, that was my mistake. She charms everyone. She's a snake.
Legal Proceedings and Defence Arguments
Garcia's defence lawyer, James Gouveia, has denied all allegations, arguing in a legal filing that the forensic report does not definitively prove Garcia administered the poison. Having a report stating that he was poisoned doesn't prove that Bruna poisoned him. It could have been someone else, it could have been accidental, Gouveia contended.
Garcia has been in custody since October and is expected to face a jury trial for attempted aggravated murder. The case highlights a shocking breach of trust, with Dr Murad reflecting, I always treated her like she was my own daughter, and she was trying to kill me... she kills you with a smile.
