Private Kelvin Barros da Silva, also a member of the same regiment, took responsibility for the act and was arrested and taken to the Brasilia Army Police Battalion.
Cape Maria de Lourdes Freire Matos25 years old, belonging to the 1st RCG (Guard Cavalry Regiment), was found charred in the military unit located in Brasilia, Federal District, in the afternoon of last Friday (05). The soldier, who worked as a saxophonist in the regiment’s marching band, was located inside the facility after a fire was reported there.
Confirmation of the death of Corporal Maria de Lourdes Freire Matos, born November 17, 2000, was made by an official note issued by the Brazilian army. In the statement, the military corporation expressed its mourning over the loss and highlighted the soldier’s service record in the exercise of his responsibilities.
The circumstances that led to the fire and, consequently, the death of the corporal, are being investigated by the relevant authorities. The soldier Kelvin Barros da Silvaalso a member of the same regiment, took responsibility for the act and was arrested and taken to the Brasilia Army Police Battalion. The military institution informed that internal procedures for excluding the individual from the ranks of the Army will be initiated in accordance with current regulations.
The Federal District firefighters sent teams to the scene. The military said the rapid spread of flames inside the facility was aided by the identification of a considerable amount of combustible material. Although Cabo Maria de Lourdes was found dead, firefighters said the fire was brought under control within a short time. The company made no mention of any other people being injured as a result of the incident at the barracks.
The 1st Guards Cavalry Regiment also expressed its opinion in a statement. The unit said that the service provided by Corporal Matos to the band left a mark of commitment to his duties and offered its condolences to the family, friends and other members of the armed forces who worked with the army.
The case is being investigated by authorities for femicide. Investigative steps are underway to fully determine the facts. Developments regarding the investigation into the incident and the legal status of the detained soldier continue to be updated by official bodies. The authorities’ objective is to establish all the details surrounding the fire at the barracks and the death of the corporal.