Patrícia Poncini, who was killed on Thursday (17) in an attack at the organization she led, had served two terms as a city councilwoman in Boituva, in the interior of São Paulo. She was a leader of SOS (Serviço de Obras Sociais de Boituva), an organization dedicated to families in vulnerable situations.
"Unable to believe we are living through this, my sister, today what remains is the longing and the pain of your passing. I will keep you in my heart forever, along with all the memories we shared together," posted Ricardo Poncini, Patrícia's brother, on social media this Friday (18). "Give dad a hug — he is surely waiting for you. You will be eternally loved and never forgotten," he added.
The former councilwoman and SOS coordinator Andrea Bento were attacked by a third-party contractor employee. Teams from SAMU (Mobile Emergency Care Service) and the Fire Department were dispatched to the scene to provide assistance.
Andrea is hospitalized in stable condition. The suspect contacted the Boituva Civil Guard and turned himself in on a highway leading to Sorocaba.
Patrícia served as a city councilwoman from 2001 to 2008, representing the PMDB (now MDB). As a legislator, she championed causes related to education and women's health, and was also a member of a commission studying the contract and renewal of services provided by Sabesp (São Paulo State Basic Sanitation Company).
She was a teacher in the municipal school system and also served as principal of early childhood and elementary schools, including the Caena (Center for Complementary Activities), with a focus on full-time education.
"In the face of the brutality of this crime, we expect a rigorous investigation and the full accountability of the perpetrator under the law. Violence against women cannot be tolerated or go unpunished," read a statement from the City Council.
The Boituva City Hall declared three days of official mourning. "She was a woman with a history of work and dedication to our city, whose departure, in such a violent manner, causes indignation and a pain that is difficult to express," said Mayor Edson Marcusso (PSD).
