Monte Carlo house fire kills pregnant woman and her father

A fatal fire in a wooden residence in Monte Carlo, Santa Catarina, claimed the lives of 20-year-old Juliane Sthafany de Ávila, who was pregnant, and her 72-year-old father, Antônio Ávila.

The Military Firefighters Corps responded to the incident in Vila Imasa on Tuesday night. Upon arrival, crews found the wooden structure engulfed in flames. Juliane was found near the entrance with burns, while her father was located inside the house. Firefighters used approximately 4,000 liters of water to control the blaze.

Authorities are investigating the deaths under several classifications, including femicide, intentional homicide, and arson. Police noted a bleeding wound on Juliane’s head, leading to suspicions that she may have been assaulted prior to the fire. The Military Police have secured the area as investigations continue to determine the exact cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the deaths.