Deerfield Beach, Fla. — A devastating house fire in Deerfield Beach resulted in tragic losses as officials reported the death of a woman and her dog. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 41-year-old Genivaldo Gomes Moreira on Sunday night, suspecting his involvement in setting the fatal blaze.
The alarming incident occurred early Friday morning when firefighters rushed to a duplex on Northwest 43rd Street and Northwest 4th Avenue, arriving at approximately 4:30 a.m. The teams were met with intense smoke and flames billowing from the structure. Battalion Chief Michael Kane of Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue described the difficult conditions faced by responders as they worked to extinguish the fire, which took about 20 minutes.
During the firefighting efforts, crews made a heartbreaking discovery—Ana Paula Ribeiro De Souza, 54, was found deceased in a back bedroom of the home. Further investigation led authorities to suspect foul play in her death. Silva, De Souza’s daughter, expressed profound grief and desire for justice, indicating her mother’s life revolved primarily around her church and family.
Silva also recounted the shock and distress upon learning about the fire, highlighting the chaos she witnessed upon arriving at her mother’s residence. She shared insights into her mother’s past relationship with Moreira, suggesting the involvement of the ex-boyfriend, who had been romantically linked to De Souza for six months.
Adding to the complexities of the case, Silva alleged her mother’s death appeared to involve more sinister elements than the fire alone, citing evidence suggestive of a possible murder prior to the blaze.
Adjacent neighbors to the affected unit were fortunate to escape unharmed, underscoring the potential for even greater tragedy had the fire spread further.
As the investigation continued, homicide detectives utilized various methods to identify Gomes Moreira as the primary suspect, leading to his apprehension in Manatee County. Found in possession of a gold 2002 Saturn, he was detained by law enforcement and is anticipated to be extradited back to Broward County.
The suspect now faces severe accusations including felony murder, arson, and animal cruelty, reflecting the gravity of the allegations against him.
The ongoing inquiry by both the Broward Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives underscores the seriousness and complexity of the case, signaling that investigators are meticulously piecing together the events that led to such a tragic outcome.
This incident has deeply affected the community, leaving residents and family members seeking answers and justice while mourning the profound loss of a beloved mother and her pet.