A secretary, who was considered trustworthy, is facing allegations of poisoning a well-known doctor with arsenic in an attempt to steal a significant sum of money without detection. Bruna Garcia is being charged with attempted aggravated homicide after Dr. Victor Murad, a 90-year-old physician, accused her of poisoning him over a period of several months to cover up the theft of more than £70,000.
Authorities in the state of Espirito Santo have reported that forensic analysis of Dr. Murad’s hair samples revealed prolonged exposure to arsenic, a toxic substance that can lead to various severe health issues and even death, for at least one year and three months.
Garcia, who had been employed at Dr. Murad’s clinic since 2013 and is the daughter of one of his former colleagues, allegedly had full control over the doctor’s finances. It is claimed that she misused this authority to divert funds as the doctor’s health deteriorated.
Prosecutors assert that the embezzled funds financed Garcia’s extravagant lifestyle, which included luxury trips, boat excursions, and stays at upscale hotels. As the alleged financial misconduct escalated, Garcia is accused of plotting to murder Dr. Murad to prevent the discovery of her actions. Meanwhile, Dr. Murad began exhibiting severe symptoms, such as vomiting blood, anemia, and tremors, prompting multiple visits to the emergency room.
The scheme reportedly started to unravel when Dr. Murad and his wife noticed a low balance during a transaction, leading to suspicions of overspending. A confrontation between the doctor and his secretary ensued, resulting in Garcia resigning from her position. Subsequently, a bottle of arsenic was found in a storage room by another hospital employee after Garcia’s departure.
Upon Garcia’s arrest, investigators learned that the poison had been purchased under the name of Garcia’s husband, who was unaware of her actions. Dr. Murad, currently recuperating at home, expressed his dismay over the betrayal, emphasizing his trust in Garcia and likening her actions to betrayal by a close family member.
The defense attorney for the former secretary, James Gouveia, has refuted all accusations, suggesting that the evidence of poisoning does not definitively implicate Garcia. She has been in custody since October and is anticipated to face trial by jury for attempted aggravated murder.
