A former international basketball player, Igor Eduardo Pereira Cabral, has been arrested following a brutal attack on his girlfriend, Juliana Garcia, which has left her with severe facial injuries. Cabral, 29, allegedly punched Garcia 61 times in a lift during a violent episode on July 26 in Natal, Brazil. The alarming incident was captured on CCTV, prompting a security guard to alert the police.
Garcia sustained multiple fractures to her face and jaw and is set to undergo surgery to address her extensive injuries. Currently, she can only communicate through written notes, as her injuries have left her unable to speak. Her lawyer, Caroline Mafra, emphasized the physical and psychological damage inflicted on Garcia, who recounted the harrowing experience of being told she would die while being repeatedly struck.
Cabral has attributed his actions to a “claustrophobic episode,” claiming that he was provoked by Garcia’s alleged insults and an innocent text conversation she had with a friend. However, Garcia refuted this explanation, stating that Cabral reacted out of irrational jealousy.
The couple’s relationship, spanning two tumultuous years, has previously been marked by allegations of physical abuse. Garcia has disclosed that Cabral had exhibited aggressive behavior before, but she never anticipated it would escalate to this level of violence. As a result of this incident, Cabral now faces charges of attempted femicide.
Cabral, who represented Brazil at the 2014 Summer Youth Olympics in basketball, is recognized not only for his athletic achievements but also for a concerning history of aggression. His case serves as a reminder of the alarming prevalence of domestic violence, underscoring the need for support for victims and intervention from authorities.
This troubling incident sheds light on the devastating effects of domestic violence and the importance of addressing such issues proactively to prevent further tragedies.