A jealous father hanged his 21-month-old daughter from a tree after a row with his estranged wife, then tried three times to kill himself before being arrested.
The killing took place in a wooded area in the rural town of Abelardo Luz, in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, on Sunday, 25th May.
The baby's mother, Ester Alzira Silva, told police that Valmir Rodrigo Pegoraro, 41, snatched their daughter Hosana Esmeralda Silva Pegoraro during an argument, saying she would never see her again.
Picture shows Valmir Rodrigo Pegoraro and little Hosana Esmeralda Silva Pegoraro, undated. He killed his daughter in Abelardo Luz, Brazil, on May 25, 2025. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (Newsflash/NX)
He fled with the girl and a backpack containing clothes and rope, and later sent a message to relatives confessing: "I hanged the girl."
Ester said: "His intention was to torture me."
Police said the baby was killed within 30 minutes of being taken.
Picture shows Valmir Rodrigo Pegoraro during his arrest, undated. He killed his little daughter Hosana Esmeralda Silva Pegoraro, in Abelardo Luz, Brazil, on May 25, 2025. Note: Image is a screenshot from video. (Newsflash/NX)
Pegoraro attempted suicide three times using different branches and ropes, but each time the branch broke.
He eventually contacted a family member, who persuaded him to hand himself in.
Picture shows a tribute post for little Hosana Esmeralda Silva Pegoraro, undated. Her father, Valmir Rodrigo Pegoraro killed her in Abelardo Luz, Brazil, on May 25, 2025. Note: Private photo taken from local media. (Newsflash/NX)
Officers recovered Hosana's body the next day in a forested area in the nearby municipality of Vargeao.
Pegoraro was arrested and charged with aggravated homicide, kidnapping, and concealment of a corpse.
Ester described Hosana as "active, sociable, smiling and sweet."
She added that Pegoraro had a history of domestic violence and that his family initially discouraged her from calling police, saying he was probably just playing.
(MJ Leidig/newsX)