# Palmas child homicide investigation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/palmas-child-homicide-investigation
> Updated: 2026-08-06T17:29:18.000Z. Sources: 31. Developments: 2.

In early August 2026, three‑year‑old Gustavo Veloso Feitosa was found dead in Palmas, Tocantins. The father, lawyer Igor Gustavo Veloso de Souza, initially claimed the child had drowned in the family pool. A forensic autopsy by the Instituto Médico Legal (IML) contradicted this, documenting multiple injuries, facial bruises, intestinal lacerations, internal hemorrhage and signs of sexual violence, and ruling the death a homicide.

Police opened a homicide investigation and placed Igor Gustavo and his partner Kathellen Moreira in preventive detention on the night of 5–6 August. The case is being handled by the Police Civil’s Homicide and Protection of Persons division. The Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil (OAB‑TO) suspended the lawyer’s professional registration pending disciplinary action. Public outrage led to demonstrations in Palmas under the banner “Justiça por Gustavo” and a protest on 6 August demanding stricter punishment and protection against parental abuse.

After the arrests, Gustavo’s mother posted a tribute video on social media, expressing grief and calling for justice. The parents have publicly denied the homicide allegations, stating they are cooperating with investigators. The child’s parents authorized organ donation, drawing national attention to Brazil’s organ‑transplant system.

Later forensic review confirmed the severe assault injuries but dismissed the earlier allegation of sexual violence. The OAB‑TO suspension remains pending a disciplinary hearing before the Tribunal of Ethics and Discipline. Both suspects continue to deny the accusations, and their legal counsel says they are cooperating with authorities.

## Claims

- Igor Gustavo Veloso de Sousa is a practicing lawyer. (disputed by 23 sources)
- The OAB‑TO suspended the professional registration of Igor Gustavo Veloso pending disciplinary proceedings. (disputed by 18 sources)
- Igor Gustavo Veloso de Sousa and Kathellen Moreira were arrested preventively on 5 August 2024 in Palmas, Tocantins. (corroborated by 20 sources)
- Three‑year‑old Gustavo Veloso Feitosa died on 2 August 2024 in Palmas. (corroborated by 20 sources)
- Forensic examination ruled out drowning and identified multiple injuries consistent with homicide and torture. (corroborated by 20 sources)
- The investigation is being conducted by the Police Civil of Tocantins, specifically the Homicide and Protection of Persons division. (corroborated by 20 sources)
- The child's mother posted a tribute video on social media after the arrests. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Public demonstrations titled “Justiça por Gustavo” were organized in Palmas. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-06: Father and Stepmother Arrested in Brazil Over 3‑Year‑Old's Death

A 3‑year‑old died in Palmas, Brazil; his father, lawyer Igor Veloso, and partner Kathellen Moreira were arrested for homicide and torture, a forensic report confirmed severe injuries, OAB‑TO suspended the dad’s

26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gustavo-veloso-feitosas-death-in-brazil-prompts-organ-donation-and-arrests

### 2026-08-04: Father and stepmother arrested in Palmas after 3‑year‑old's death ruled homicide

A 3‑year‑old in Palmas was found dead; autopsy showed severe violence, not drowning. Father lawyer Igor Gustavo Veloso and stepmother Kathellen Moreira were arrested, the lawyer suspended, and protests demanded

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/father-igor-veloso-investigated-after-3yearolds-death-in-palmas

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Cite as: Palmas child homicide investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/palmas-child-homicide-investigation