SANTIAGO, Chile — A chilling encounter unfolded for a Brazilian tourist who defended herself during a purported home invasion while vacationing in Santiago, Chile, leading to severe injuries.
Maressa Nunes, a 31-year-old from Maringá, Brazil, found herself at the center of a violent attack when a man posing as a food delivery driver forced his way into the apartment she had rented with a friend. The assailant, who Nunes initially thought was delivering her order, held the women at gunpoint, threatening them with violence and coordinating with accomplices over a video call.
The incident rapidly escalated as the attacker and his accomplices overpowered Nunes and her friend, attempting to rob them while also threatening sexual assault. Nunes resisted, fearing the worst, which resulted in a brutal physical altercation.
Local authorities reported that the situation took a turn when the actual food delivery worker arrived, inadvertently causing the attackers to flee the scene. The building staff, suspecting something amiss, alerted the police following the assault.
Nunes, who once prided herself on her physical strength as an avid bodybuilder, suffered extensive injuries, leaving her barely recognizable. She endured multiple fractures to her eye sockets, jaw, and nose and required immediate hospitalization in critical condition. Her friend suffered less severe injuries and was later able to return to Brazil.
In the aftermath, as Nunes remained hospitalized and unable to travel due to the severity of her injuries, her family mobilized to support her. They traveled to Chile, although their experience quickly soured when Nunes’ sister was robbed by a motorcyclist, which compounded their distress.
The situation garnered attention at governmental levels, sparking commentary from Cida Gonçalves, Brazil’s Minister of Women. She expressed solidarity with the victims and condemned the violence, highlighting ongoing discussions with the Brazilian Consulate General in Santiago to ensure further assistance.
Police continued to investigate the attack, searching for the suspects involved. Reports noted that no arrests had been made at the time.
The family has since initiated a crowdfunding effort to cover medical expenses and repatriation costs, emphasizing the urgency of transporting Nunes back to Brazil under appropriate medical supervision.
This harrowing experience underscores the risks travelers can face and highlights broader concerns about safety and security in foreign environments. It also resonates with ongoing international dialogues about women’s safety and the measures necessary to protect tourists abroad. The Brazilian community, both domestically and abroad, has rallied in support of Nunes, calling for justice and the swift apprehension of the culprits involved in this heinous crime.