Erika de Souza Vieira Nunes, the woman accused of taking her deceased uncle to a bank in a wheelchair to secure a loan of 17,000 Brazilian Reais (~$3200 USD), says she didn’t know he had died.
On April 16, 2024, at a bank in Rio de Janeiro when Nunes introduced herself as the niece and caregiver of Paulo Roberto Braga, a 68-year-old pensioner.
Bank staff grew suspicious as Nunes attempted to hold Braga’s head upright while asking him to sign loan documents.
Footage from the scene showed Nunes addressing Braga, saying, “Uncle, are you listening? You have to sign it. I can’t sign for you.”
When the deceased man’s head swayed, she used her hand to steady it and added, “Sign here and stop giving me a headache.”
Paramedics confirmed that Braga had been dead for several hours.
Authorities intervened, arresting Nunes, and started an investigation into the possibility of organized fraud.
While in custody, Nunes claims Braga was alive on their way to the bank. Her lawyers argue this as part of her defense. However, Federal Police state that the timing of Braga’s death does not impact the charges.
Police Chief Fabio Luiz tells Brazilian media, “Knowing whether he entered alive or dead provides more information, but it doesn’t change the crime itself. Just the fact that she continued, even though he was dead, already configures the crimes for which she will answer.”
Following 16 days in custody, Nunes was released on bail and gave her first public statement to the Brazilian TV program Fantastico.
“The days away from my family have been horrible, very difficult. I didn’t realize my uncle was dead. It’s absurd what people are saying. I’m not that monster,” she said.
Nunes blamed her actions on the sleeping pill Zolpidem, saying she had taken too much that day.
She added, “I don’t clearly remember the incident. I was undergoing treatment and may have taken more than I should have.”
In a statement that contradicts initial reports, Nunes denied being her uncle’s caregiver, saying, “He wasn’t a wheelchair user, and I wasn’t his carer. He was independent and did what he wanted.”
Nunes also claimed that her family had always supported Braga financially and that she had no personal need for the loan.
“He wanted the loan, not me. My family always lived without his income. He didn’t have a fixed job,” she said.
Her son, Lucas Nunes, defended his mother, attributing her behavior to mental health issues and disorders. Meanwhile, Nunes’ lawyer, Ana de Souza, emphasized that her client has not been convicted and argued that public judgment is premature.
“The case has barely started, and she is already being punished. If she is convicted at all, it should only happen after the legal process is complete,” de Souza stated.
Officials are investigating whether Nunes acted alone or as part of a broader fraud operation.
