Shock spread across Brazil after a municipal official in the city of Itumbiara, in the state of Goiás, shot his two sons, killing one, critically injuring the other, and then taking his own life inside the family apartment.

Authorities identified the perpetrator as Thales Naves Alves Machado, who served as the city’s secretary of government. Shortly before the attack, he posted a lengthy message on social media describing a personal and marital crisis. 

He apologized to relatives and friends and wrote that he had reached an emotional breaking point. In the letter, he also mentioned an alleged infidelity involving his wife after 15 years of marriage.

Minutes after publishing the message, Machado shot his two sons, aged 12 and 8. In the post, he announced that he would leave “with his children,” whom he described as “angels.” The message alarmed relatives and neighbors, who rushed to the apartment in an attempt to prevent the tragedy.

When they entered the residence, they found a devastating scene. The official lay on the bed with a handgun resting on his chest, while both children suffered gunshot wounds to the head. Emergency responders transported them alive to Modesto de Carvalho Municipal Hospital.

Several hours later, the older son, Miguel Araújo Machado, died from his injuries. The younger child, Benício, remained in critical condition under intensive medical care at the time of the latest official update.

Responders reported a strong smell of fuel inside the apartment and found two empty five-liter containers. Investigators are examining whether the attacker spread gasoline before opening fire. Police seized the weapon used in the shooting, a Glock G25 .380 caliber pistol, for forensic analysis.

An ongoing investigation

The Goiás Civil Police launched a formal investigation to reconstruct the timeline and clarify the circumstances leading up to the attack. Authorities are reviewing possible prior incidents and assessing the motives behind the crime.

The case deeply affected the local community and political leadership. The suspect’s father-in-law serves as the city’s mayor, which added an institutional dimension to the tragedy.

City officials declared three days of official mourning and suspended public events.Family members and residents gathered at Avenida da Saudade Cemetery to bid farewell to Miguel in an atmosphere of profound grief. The tragedy left lasting scars on the community and sparked renewed national debate about mental health and domestic violence.