DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. – A man has been arrested in connection with a murder and arson that occurred last week in Deerfield Beach, authorities confirmed Monday to Local 10 News.
According to Broward Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Claudinne Caro, Genivaldo Gomes Moreira, 41, of Deerfield Beach, was found by officers in Manatee County and will be brought to Broward County to face charges of murder, arson and animal cruelty.
The victim, Ana De Souza, 54, was found dead early Friday morning inside her duplex at 4329 NW Fourth Ave.
Ayllah Costa, 14, told Local 10 News’ Roy Ramos that it was her grandmother who lost her life in the fire.
“Grief works in different ways,” she said. “I got the call and at first, I cried. Obviously she was a really happy woman. She had plans for her future.”
Authorities said they were called to the home in reference to a fire.
When deputies and firefighters arrived, they found the duplex engulfed in flames. Caro said firefighters extinguished the flames and found De Souza dead inside the home.
“Detectives from BSO’s Homicide and Crime Scene units responded to the scene and began conducting a death investigation,” Caro said in a news release. “The victim’s dog also died as a result of the fire.”
Caro said homicide detectives eventually identified Gomes Moreira as the suspect, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Authorities said he had fled the scene in a gold 2002 Saturn.
“I really do want justice for her,” Costa said.
Detectives have not yet disclosed how De Souza was killed or a motive for the killing.