Woman jailed for 'killing family with poisoned Christmas cake' is found dead

A woman who was accused off murdering her in-laws via poisoning through a Christmas pudding has been found dead in her prison cell.

Deise Moura dos Anjos, originally from Brazil, was discovered by prison guards during their morning rounds. Her death has been ruled as "self-inflicted mechanical asphyxiation", according to officials. Deise was being held in custody following her arrested on January 5 on suspicion of poisoning her family. They died via arsenic poisoning through a Christmas pudding. It is thought it was administered through the flour used to make a festive fruitcake for her family.

Detectives were also investigating if she was responsible for the death of her dad-in-law, Paulo Luiz dos Anjos. He died from an intestinal infection late last year after consuming bananas and powdered milk brought to his house by Deise.

His body was later examined and tests confirmed he had ingested arsenic – similar to the Christmas pudding incident.

Pending a full investigation, it is currently believed Deise hanged herself when she was alone in her cell at the Gua ba Women's State Penitentiary, Brazil. She had recently been moved there from Torres Women's State Prison, due to a security risk.

The mass poisoning happened on Christmas Eve, when seven members of the same family began feeling unwell after eating the cake. Three succumbed within hours.

Tatiana Denize Silva dos Anjos and Maida Berenice Flores da Silva died from cardiac arrest. Neuza Denize Silva dos Anjos reportedly died from "shock caused by food poisoning".

Miraculously, Deise's mum-in-law, Zeli dos Anjos, survived. She consumed two pieces of cake, and was held in hospital for a while before being released in January.

A 10-year-old child who ate a piece also survived and has been discharged. However, they are not necessarily thought to be the intended victims.

The police believe Zeli, who had baked the cake in Arroio do Sal and taken it to the house in Torres, was Deise's target.

Detective Marcus Veloso said: "Her main target was Zeli. She was there on 2 September when the coffee with powdered milk was prepared, along with her husband. She was also present when Zeli baked the cake in Arroio do Sal."

Following her death, the Penitentiary Police said: "The circumstances will be investigated by the Civil Police and the General Institute of Forensics."