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Burned Soldier Found in DF; Brazilian Army Soldier Confesses to Femicide at the Cavalry Guards Regiment.
A burned soldier was found on the afternoon of Friday (12/05/2025) inside the Cavalry Guards Regiment, in Brasília, which led the Brazilian Army to open an urgent investigation into the case.
The victim, identified as Maria de Lourdes Freire Matos, was serving in the unit and had a relationship with soldier Kelvin Barros da Silva, who confessed to committing the crime.
The incident occurred in the DF, inside a space used by the military band, and is being treated as femicide, according to military authorities. The suspect is in custody and is also expected to face charges for arson, theft of a firearm, and procedural fraud.
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Corporal Found Burned During Fire at DF Barracks
The fire that led to the corporal’s death occurred in an internal facility of the Cavalry Guards Regiment, where the unit’s band operates.
As soon as the flames were controlled, teams identified that the soldier’s body was completely burned.
Maria de Lourdes was 25 years old and served as a saxophonist in the barracks’ band, being recognized by her Armed Forces colleagues for her dedication and professionalism.
The Fire Department of the Federal District reported that there was a “large amount of combustible material” at the location, which increased the fire’s intensity. Despite this, the teams were able to contain the flames quickly.
Brazilian Army Soldier Confesses to Femicide
After the tragedy, soldier Kelvin Barros da Silva admitted to killing the corporal during an argument in the military band’s environment.
In his testimony, he stated that Maria de Lourdes had drawn her firearm, but he reacted by stabbing her in the neck with a knife. He subsequently set the location on fire to try to erase evidence of the crime.
The confession led to Kelvin’s immediate arrest, and he was taken to the Army Police Battalion in Brasília, where he remains at the disposal of Military Justice.
The Brazilian Army reported that it has already initiated the procedure to permanently exclude him from the corps.
Cavalry Guards Regiment Mourns Loss and Reinforces Investigation
In an official statement, the 1st Cavalry Guards Regiment emphasized that the corporal’s death represents an irreparable loss for the unit.
The corps stated that Maria de Lourdes leaves a legacy of “exemplary commitment” and expressed solidarity with her family and fellow soldiers.
The Army also publicly confirmed the death:
“Born on November 17, 2000, the soldier’s death was confirmed by the Army in an official statement released by the corps, which expressed condolences and highlighted her career marked by dedication and professionalism.”
The corps reiterated that the case is still under investigation and is being treated as femicide.
Armed Forces Act in Investigation and Monitor Developments
As the crime occurred within a military facility and involved two members of the Brazilian Army, the investigation involves both Military Justice and the Army Police.
The confessed defendant could face a sentence of more than 40 years for femicide, theft of a firearm, arson, and procedural fraud.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere is one of mourning at the DF barracks, especially among members of the band, where the soldier worked daily.
Colleagues claim that the corporal was well-liked in the unit and recognized for her discipline and musical talent.
Burned Military Entity Reignites Debate on Violence Against Women in the Armed Forces
The case has once again brought discussions about the safety of women in the Armed Forces to the forefront, especially in light of incidents of violence reported within military facilities.
The death of Maria de Lourdes, found burned soldier in the line of duty, reinforces the need for protection mechanisms, psychological support, and stricter prevention protocols.
The Brazilian Army stated that all appropriate measures are being taken and that it will continue to cooperate to fully clarify the femicide.
