Man quizzed over Brazilian’s death
The man, in his 30s, was charged in relation to the incident.
The violent death of Kezia Gomaz Rosa, who was in her early 30s, has caused widespread shock in the local community, particularly among the 500-strong Brazilian population living in the area.
Gardaí were called to a house on Lanesboro Street in the town shortly after 7pm on Tuesday, where they discovered the body of a woman with stab injuries.
The dead woman had lived in rented accommodation above a shop on Lanesboro Street and was visiting friends at a nearby house, when the incident occurred.
It is understood that the victim came from the Anapolis region in central Brazil and had been living in Ireland for the past 18 months. The deceased did not have any relatives living in Ireland.
Gardaí were yesterday trying to make contact with relatives in Brazil. It is understood the deceased had a child, who remains in Brazil with family members.
Superintendent Willie Gallagher of Roscommon Garda station said: “Shortly after 7pm gardaí in Roscommon responded to a call made by a local. When they arrived at the scene they found the body of a female inside the door of the house.”
Gardaí immediately sealed off the scene.
A Brazilian man in his mid-30s was arrested a short time later. He was detained at Roscommon Garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.
State pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy arrived at the scene yesterday morning to carry out a preliminary postmortem. The body was later removed to Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe for further postmortem tests.
“A weapon has been recovered but at this stage we cannot establish whether it has anything to do with the incident. Our investigation is continuing and members of the Garda Technical Bureau are still at the scene and will assist in that regard,” Supt Gallagher said.
Gardaí confirmed that the man and the deceased were known to each other. It is understood a number of people were in the house at the time of the violent attack and are assisting gardaí.
The murder has rocked the strong Brazilian community in Roscommon town, which has grown in the last decade, with as many as 500 Brazilian nationals living in the area.
The close-knit Brazilian community has integrated well over the years and nothing of this nature has happened before.
“She was a well known member of the Brazilian community here in Roscommon town.
“Everyone said she was a lovely girl; she was very nice, quiet and friendly. This has come as a huge shock to everyone,” Catia de Nova, a local community activist in the Brazilian community said.
It is understood the victim was visiting friends, who were preparing and cooking food for an upcoming party, when the incident occurred. She was a member of a local Evangelical Church.
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