Tragedy in Itaperuna: Teenager confesses to murdering family — case raises awareness about mental health, home safety and gun use

Brazil has come to a standstill in the face of a brutal tragedy that occurred in Itaperuna, in the interior of Rio de Janeiro. A 14-year-old teenager confessed to having shot and killed his father, mother and 3-year-old brother, in what is already considered one of the most shocking crimes of the year in the country. The case, which seems like a movie script, reveals a complex and dark scenario involving psychological disorders, preventive negligence and easy access to firearms.

🕯️ A crime planned in the silence of the early hours

The family massacre occurred in the early hours of Saturday (21), but only came to light three days later. The discovery was only possible after the paternal grandmother reported the disappearance of the family members. The teenager initially invented a fantastical version to cover up the crimes, saying that his brother had choked on glass and his parents had taken him to the hospital. However, the lack of records in health units aroused the suspicions of the Civil Police.

An expert examination of the residence revealed blood stains, partially burned clothes and, most seriously, a strong odor coming from the cistern, where the bodies of his mother (42), father (45) and brother (3) were found. The young man, confronted with the evidence, coldly confessed to the crime in front of his uncle.

🔫 Firearm inside the house and shocking coldness

The gun used belonged to his father, who was registered as a CAC (collector, shooter and hunter) and kept it under the mattress. The teenager told the police that he took a pre-workout supplement to stay awake and, during the early hours of the morning, killed his father with a shot to the head, followed by his mother and brother.

According to the police report, there was no remorse. The teenager said he would repeat the act and justified his brother's murder by saying that he "didn't want him to suffer the loss of his parents". This extremely calculated attitude caught the attention of investigators, who have already pointed out clear signs of psychopathy.

🧠 Neglected mental health and digital influences

The crime reignites debates about adolescents' access to the internet without adequate supervision, as well as the lack of psychological support. The boy had an online relationship with a teenager from Mato Grosso, whom he met while playing online. According to his testimony, the girl had given him an ultimatum to meet her — which, according to the police, may have influenced his decision to commit the crime.

The plan included running away, buying a ticket via Pix and even the idea of ​​getting a job at a supermarket in the state of the alleged girlfriend. The investigation continues to understand whether there was any type of coercion or encouragement to commit the crime on the part of the teenager.

🧪 What is still being investigated?

In addition to the exact motivation and external influence, the police are investigating whether the parents were drugged before the crime and whether the paternal grandmother — who heard gunshots in the early hours of the morning — may have had any connection or knowledge of what happened. So far, there is no evidence of her involvement, but the investigation remains open.

❗ The warning: how can tragedies like this be prevented?

The case of Itaperuna brutally exposes the urgent need for attention to the mental health of young people, the responsible use of firearms at home, and emotional education from childhood. Experts emphasize that:

Guns should be stored with maximum security and out of the reach of children or adolescents.

Children and young people need psychological support at home and at school, especially in situations of isolation or behavioral changes.

Virtual relationships and online games should be monitored by guardians.

Communication within the family should be encouraged, avoiding the accumulation of frustrations and misunderstandings.

Public institutions need to expand access to mental health services for minors, especially in cities in the interior.

🧩 A portrait of duality: love on social media, horror in reality

The father's old posts on social media described his son as a “companion”, “angel of God” and “caring brother”. For the neighbors, the image was of a united and peaceful family. Therefore, the crime also questions the extent to which social media masks complex and silent realities.

🧷 What now?

The teenager has been provisionally detained for 45 days, as per the court order. The tragedy, however, remains a warning: prevention is still the most effective way to avoid outcomes as devastating as this one.

DFATOS will continue to follow the case and bring reflections on how society can act before silence turns into horror.