AN autistic boy has tragically died of thirst after he was locked up alone for eight days, following the murder of his mother.
Bernardo Lucas de Araujo Ribeiro, who was locked inside a bedroom of his home, had been totally dependent on his mum, according to police.
Investigators confirmed the death of the 13-year-old was directly linked to the killing of Heddy Lamar de Araujo, in September.
Civil Police in Minas Gerais confirmed the boy had died after being left alone and without care.
Heddy, 44, left the apartment the pair lived in together in the early hours of the morning, leaving Bernardo alone and locked inside, according to cops.
Security camera footage showed the mum ordering an app-based ride and travelling to an area outside the Risoleta Neves Hospital in the Brazilian city Belo Horizonte.
Heddy went to meet Bruno Alexandre Ferreira, 37, who she had been in a two-year relationship with, before he took her to an open area in the Nova York neighbourhood in the town of Vespasiano.
Police have alleged Heddy was later murdered, dying from asphyxiation.
Her body was also found with puncture wounds, caused by a sharp object, in what cops say was a premeditated killing.
Bernardo’s body was located after identifying Heddy and entering the flat, however it was too late.
By the time cops got into the apartment on October 3, the boy was already dead.
Investigators have ruled starvation and dehydration as Bernardo’s causes of death.
On average, a person can survive for around three days without water.
Police arrested Ferreira, on December 18, in Santa Luzia.
He has since been indicted for feminicide in relation to Heddy’s death and for homicide by omission in Bernardo’s death.
Police allege Ferreira knew Bernardo was completely dependent on Heddy, however, he denies the accusations.
Investigators say he has since allegedly given contradictory statements.
Ferreira will remain in police custody as his case proceeds through court.
