A mother-of-two was tragically shot and killed while riding in a ride-share vehicle in Rio de Janeiro, just days before her youngest daughter’s fourth birthday. Thamires Rodrigues de Souza Peixoto, 28, was a passenger in the vehicle when a gunman opened fire, striking her before fleeing the scene.
The Tragic Incident
On Thursday, May 7, 2026, Peixoto was riding in a ride-share vehicle when a gunman in another car fired at them. The driver of the ride-share vehicle told police that the assailant shot at the car before fleeing the scene. Peixoto, suffering from gunshot wounds, was rushed to a hospital in Cidade de Deus but tragically did not survive her injuries, according to CNN Brazil.
The incident occurred just days before her youngest daughter’s birthday, and her funeral services were held on Saturday, May 9—the same day her daughter turned four years old. Peixoto was also scheduled to attend a Mother’s Day celebration at her children’s school the day before her death, but the event was postponed in the wake of the tragedy.
School’s Tribute and the Impact on the Community
The school where Peixoto’s children attended, Colégio Interativo GPI, issued a statement expressing their sorrow over the loss. “It is with deep regret that we inform you that our school received the sad news today of the passing of the mother of two of our students,” the school said. “In this moment of grief and out of respect for the family, we believe the most sensitive and appropriate course of action is to postpone our Mother’s Day celebration.”
The Arrest of the Alleged Shooter
Police investigations quickly identified the alleged shooter as police officer Frede Uilson Souza de Jesus. According to reports, the shooting followed a dispute between the ride-share driver and another vehicle.
The bullet passed through the rear window of the ride-share vehicle, hitting Peixoto in the back. Security footage showed the black ride-share vehicle on the road when a white vehicle, later confirmed to be de Jesus’ car, approached.
De Jesus was arrested on Friday, May 8, and has been removed from his duties as a police officer. An internal investigation has been initiated by the authorities. The officer voluntarily surrendered to the police after the Homicide Police Department identified him as the suspect.
A Dark History
Reports suggest that de Jesus had previously been arrested for falsifying documents, adding further complexity to the case.
Survived by Loved Ones
Peixoto leaves behind her husband and two young daughters. The community mourns the loss of a mother who was tragically taken from her family just before a special milestone.
