A WOMAN has been stabbed to death in front of her three-year-old son by her ex’s partner during a horrific rampage.
Kelli Amorim Ribeiro, 28, was killed inside her home in the Patagônio neighbourhood of Vitória da Conquista, in Brazil on January 2.
Police say the mum-of-one was attacked with a knife after the suspect, 33-year-old Valeria Maria Jesus, stormed into the property and carried out the fatal assault.
Adding to the tragedy, Kelli’s young son, aged three, watched the terrifying ordeal unfold.
Jesus was the current partner of Kelli’s ex and was reportedly motivated by jealousy and revenge.
Neighbours told the police that the two women had previously been friends and had a close relationship before the attack.
Despite this, an argument flared between the two women the night before the killing, Police Captain Isaac Azevedo of the 79th Independent Military Police Company said.
During searches in the area, cops located the suspect’s car parked near the scene of the crime.
According to police, Jesus’ mother was inside the vehicle, and had cooperated by informing officers of her daughter’s whereabouts.
Jesus was found at a nearby property, where she did not resist arrest.
Cops say she immediately confessed to the killing.
Jesus was taken to the Specialised Police Station for Assistance to Women.
Authorities confirmed she was later transferred to the Nilton Gonçalves Penal Complex, where she remains in custody, awaiting a hearing.
Kelli worked as a receptionist at a local clinic.
She was a keen cyclist, taking part in several cycling groups in the region.
Her wake was held on Saturday, and attended by crowds of mourning friends and family members.
The funeral procession included dozens of cyclists who accompanied the cortege in tribute to the victim.
Police confirmed that Kelli’s son is now under the care of relatives from his father’s family.
The investigation remains ongoing.
