A man accused of murder confessed to killing his ex-girlfriend during a FaceTime call with two friends in Brazil, a court in Ireland has heard. Miller Pacheco, 32, is on trial for the murder of Bruna Fonseca, 28, who was found dead on New Year’s Day 2023.
Details of the Confession
Pedro Enrique Eduardo testified that on New Year’s Eve 2022, Pacheco sent him videos showing Fonseca with another man. Following this, Pacheco texted Eduardo, expressing remorse and affection for his friends. Shortly after, during a FaceTime call, Pacheco allegedly confessed to killing Fonseca and then displayed her body on the bed, covered with a blanket. Felipe Jose Costa Peroni, also on the call, stated he turned away from the screen.
Both Eduardo and Peroni contacted a cousin of Fonseca’s in Cork, who then alerted the authorities. Ludmillia Milo Faria, Peroni’s wife, also joined the call and remained on the line with Pacheco, fearing he might harm himself.
Relationship and Prior Interactions
The court heard that Pacheco and Fonseca, both originally from Formiga in Minas Gerais, Brazil, had been in a relationship for five years. They relocated to Ireland – Fonseca in September 2022 and Pacheco in November 2022 – but separated shortly after his arrival. Witnesses testified that Pacheco was visibly distressed following the breakup. Katie Silva recounted a conversation with Pacheco on Christmas Day 2022, where he expressed anger and frustration, and mentioned seeing text messages between Fonseca and a man from Argentina.
Alamo Morais testified that he danced with and kissed Fonseca at a New Year’s Eve party, and noticed Pacheco staring at them. Barbara O’Sullivan, a radiographer at Mercy University Hospital where Fonseca worked, reported a man matching Pacheco’s description was asking about Fonseca at the hospital on Christmas Day, appearing “erratic and distressed.”
Pacheco reportedly “sold everything” and “left everything behind in his life” to join Fonseca in Ireland, but the relationship ended within a week of his arrival. Friends described him as depressed in 2022.
The Trial Continues
The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford, is ongoing. The jury consists of seven women and five men. Fonseca’s family members are present in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Bruna Fonseca’s profession?
Bruna Fonseca was a college graduate who had trained as a librarian.
What did Miller Pacheco do before moving to Ireland?
The accused man, Miller Pacheco, worked as an engineer before relocating to Ireland.
When did the events leading to Bruna Fonseca’s death take place?
The key events, including the FaceTime confession, occurred on New Year’s Eve 2022 and New Year’s Day 2023.
As the trial continues, it remains to be seen what further evidence will be presented and how the jury will interpret the events described by witnesses.
