Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Gunman kills ex-wife, eight-year-old son and at least 10 others at Brazil New Year's party

Police in Sao Paulo said the attacker was angry after separating with his ex-wife

Rachael Pells
Sunday 01 January 2017 17:47 GMT
Comments
The attack took place at a party in Campinas, around 60 miles from Sao Paulo
The attack took place at a party in Campinas, around 60 miles from Sao Paulo (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

At least 13 people have been killed in a domestic shooting at a New Year’s Eve party in Brazil.

The unnamed gunman broke into house in Campinas, around 60 miles from Sao Paulo, where his ex-wife was having a party with family members.

He shot and killed her, their eight-year-old son and at least 10 other people before turning the gun on himself, military police reported.

Three others were wounded in the attack.

Police in Sao Paulo said the attacker is believed to have been angry over the separation with his ex-wife.

His identity, along with the names and ages of his victims are yet to be formally confirmed.

According to local media sources, a total of 15 people have been shot, with the remaining wounded left in a critical condition.

Neighbours said they heard shots fired just before midnight, but mistook the sounds for fireworks.

​Christiano Machado told Brazilian news service G1: “When we opened the gate to go into the street to see the fireworks, the celebrations, a wounded person came into our yard. He entered, asking for help”.

Domestic violence levels are high in Brazil, with some 15 women killed in the country every day.

Although Brazil has high rates of crime and violence, mass shootings such as this are said to be uncommon.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in