Brazilian Grandmother Arrested for Allegedly Poisoning Grandchildren With Cake, One Dead

A 59-year-old grandmother, Izabel Cardoso de Andrade, has been arrested in Brazil after allegedly poisoning her two grandchildren with a baked cake, leaving one child dead and the other hospitalized.

The incident occurred on July 23 in São Francisco during the summer holidays while the children were visiting. Nine-year-old Alana dos Santos Cardoso Marques became severely ill almost immediately after eating the cake, while her 11-year-old sister, who consumed a smaller portion, experienced milder symptoms. Even the family cat reportedly fell sick after tasting the treat.

Both children began vomiting and complained of sharp stomach pains. Alana later expelled a white liquid from her nose, prompting her grandparents to call for help. A neighbor rushed her to the hospital, but she tragically died shortly after from cardiopulmonary arrest. The family cat also died showing similar symptoms.

Police collected samples of the cake and later confirmed the presence of terbufos, a highly toxic pesticide that attacks the central nervous system. Forensic tests found the same chemical in Alana’s body.

De Andrade was arrested on September 19. Her lawyer, Raphael Simões de Moraes Neto, said she has been cooperating fully with investigators, allowing searches of her home.

Authorities say it remains unclear whether the poisoning was deliberate or accidental, and investigations are ongoing to determine a possible motive.