FORT LAUDERDALE – A man has been arrested in connection with a deadly fire that occurred last week in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Authorities have charged 41-year-old Genivaldo Gomes Moreira in the incident, which resulted in the death of 54-year-old Ana De Souza and her dog.
The fire broke out on Friday, January 17, at approximately 4:30 a.m. at a duplex located at 4329 NW 4th Avenue. Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue crews responded quickly to the scene, finding one half of the duplex fully engulfed in flames.
Battalion Chief Michael Kane stated that firefighters made a swift entry and extinguished the blaze, only to discover De Souza’s lifeless body in a back bedroom. Tragically, De Souza’s dog perished in the fire as well.
Homicide investigators identified Gomes Moreira as the suspect after conducting their investigation, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Authorities later located him in Manatee County, where he was taken into custody.
Gomes Moreira now faces several serious charges, including felony murder, arson, and animal cruelty. He is expected to be extradited to Broward County for further proceedings.
The tragic event has left the local community in shock as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire.
