Minas Gerais: Top 10 Crime and Accident Stories of 2025

The year 2025 brought a series of impactful events to the North, Center, and Northwest regions of Minas Gerais. The most read stories on regional news platforms highlighted a mix of tragic violence, severe accidents, and dramatic rescues. These articles deeply resonated with the public, reflecting the gravity of incidents that occurred across various communities.

Key narratives included a shocking filicide, a desperate escape from a kidnapper, and a fatal family dispute. Law enforcement agencies, including the Polícia Militar and Polícia Civil, were central figures in many of these reports, responding to crimes and accidents alike. The list also captures moments of community solidarity and bizarre occurrences, such as the mass slaughter of livestock following a highway accident.

Several of the most read stories in 2025 involved severe violent crimes, shocking communities and drawing significant public attention. These cases often involved family members and resulted in tragic losses of life or severe trauma.

Filicide in Itamarandiba

The body of Gabriel Santos Miranda, 9 years old, was discovered in a wooded area in the community of Várzea do Santo Antônio, in Itamarandiba. According to the Polícia Militar, the child's father, Geraldo Aparecido Alves Miranda, 50, sent an audio message to relatives stating he had killed his son because he could not reconcile with the boy's mother. After an intense search by the community and police, a family member found the body. The child had been shot in the ear with a .22 caliber shotgun.

Abuse in Buritis

A woman sought help from the Polícia Militar after noticing her 1-year-old daughter had red and irritated genitals. The child had been left in the care of her grandfather, 58, who was arrested in the act. The mother reported that upon returning from work, she heard a scream and found the man only in his underwear. When questioned, he claimed his other daughter, who has special needs, had touched the child. The mother took her daughter to a health post and the Tutelary Council.

Family Dispute in Arinos

A 27-year-old man was arrested for allegedly attempting to destroy his family's home using a truck in the rural zone of Arinos. During the altercation, his father, 67, died of a heart attack. Another brother, 25, was arrested for assaulting the suspect. The suspect claimed to police that he had hit the house accidentally. Upon arrival, police found broken furniture and the mother trying to stop him.

Not all stories ended in tragedy; some highlighted moments of incredible bravery and successful rescues, showcasing the resilience of victims and the swift action of authorities.

Escape from Kidnapper

Cameras captured a woman jumping from a car and running to a Polícia Militar vehicle for help in Corinto. The 28-year-old woman had been kidnapped and raped by her ex-partner, 35, in Conceição do Mato Dentro. He had threatened her with a knife and forced her into the vehicle. While the assailant stopped to refuel, he did not notice the police vehicle nearby. The woman seized the opportunity to escape, and officers quickly immobilized the man.

Elderly Man Found Alive

An elderly man, 70, was found in a wooded area in Monte Azul after his dog's barking attracted a passing worker. The Corpo de Bombeiros had been searching for two days with the help of volunteers and neighbors. The man was found three kilometers from his home, debilitated but conscious. Family members reported that the worker heard barking, suspected something was wrong, and followed the dog to find the missing man.

Road safety and public order were major themes in 2025, with several high-profile accidents and incidents involving vehicles and large crowds.

Fatal Highway Collision

Five people died in a severe accident between a car and a truck on highway MGC-135 in Mirabela. The Polícia Militar reported that the truck crossed into the opposite lane and collided head-on with the car, which was carrying a couple, their son, and two family friends. The vehicle became trapped under the truck's cabin, and all occupants died at the scene.

Cattle Slaughter on BR-365

After a trailer overturned on BR-365 in Várzea da Palma, approximately 150 people descended on the scene to slaughter the cargo. The Polícia Rodoviária Federal reported that 70 cattle were killed by looters. The driver had lost control on a curve, and the highway was closed. Authorities noted that social media posts incited people to gather at the location.

Minor Driver Accident

A 16-year-old driver was injured, and his father died in an accident on BR-116 in Medina. The Polícia Rodoviária Federal stated that the teenager was driving a trailer when he collided with another vehicle. The father was sleeping in the cab at the time of the crash and died at the scene. The collision may have been caused by the minor's lack of skill, as he reportedly crossed into the wrong lane.

The list also includes bizarre occurrences and significant police operations that captured public interest throughout the year.

Money in the Refrigerator

The Polícia Civil seized over R$ 300,000 during an operation against drug trafficking and organized crime in Curvelo. The money, totaling R$ 319,600, was found hidden in a refrigerator drawer, vacuum-packed in large bills. The operation was part of an investigation into a man already in prison suspected of continuing to run trafficking activities from inside the facility. The resident of the house was not arrested as no illegal items were found in the home.

Child Hit by Car

A 3-year-old child was injured after being hit by a car in the José Maria Alkimin neighborhood of Francisco Sá. The driver reported hearing a bang on the side of the vehicle and initially thought he had hit a dog. However, he then heard crying and realized he had struck a child. The victim suffered bruises to the chest and was taken to the hospital by family members.