Laís Bezerra da Silva, 31, was killed on Saturday in the Salobro neighborhood of Caxias, Maranhão. According to the Civil Police, her partner, Francisco de Assis de Oliveira, 46, is the main suspect and has not been found.
Investigators said Laís was struck at least five times with a knife after an argument. The suspect allegedly fled the scene. Emergency responders were called, but the Mobile Emergency Care Service confirmed the victim had died when the team arrived.
Police said Oliveira had been arrested in May on suspicion of insulting, threatening and physically assaulting Laís. At that time, a court in Maranhão granted a protective order against him.
In September, according to police, Laís asked the court to revoke the protective order, saying that she and Oliveira had resumed their relationship. The measures were subsequently revoked.
The Military Police are searching the area for the suspect, while the Civil Police are investigating the death as femicide.
The Casa da Mulher Brasileira said the case brings the number of femicides recorded in Maranhão this year to 33. By November, the state had also registered 120 attempted femicides.
Reports of violence against women can be made through the Military Police at 190, the Civil Police at 197 or at any police station, and the Central Women’s Assistance hotline at 180.
Sources: G1.