A woman has been found strangled to death in her own home after returning from Hogmanay celebrations. Bruna Fonseca, 28, was attacked shortly after returning to her Cork, Ireland, apartment following a night out celebrating the New Year.
Authorities were called to the house at around 6.30 am on Sunday, 31, December, to reports of an unresponsive woman. Police have described the death as 'suspicious' but sources say they are treating the death of the Brazilian national as murder.
Fonseca, who was a qualified librarian only moved to Ireland in September to start a new life. Images posted on social media on the night show she was out celebrating New Year with friends shortly before she was killed.
A source told the Irish Mirror, "She had been out with friends and when she came home she was attacked and killed." Police had met a man outside the flat and he had taken them to a bedroom in the flat over Picasso Hair Studio on 5 Liberty Street in the city centre.
Officers tried to resuscitate Fonseca but she was pronounced dead at the scene. A man was subsequently arrested and remains in custody.
Her body was taken to Cork University Hospital for a post-mortem. The results of which have not yet been released.
Ms Fonseca, who was from Formiga in Minais Gerais in Brazil was working as a contract cleaner at the Mercy University Hospital in Cork city. In August, she took to Facebook to ask for help in securing accommodation for herself and her partner Miller as they prepared to start a life together in the city.
She said: “I'm looking for a double room in Cork. I'm moving to Cork in September with my boyfriend.
“We're going to study English and work. I'm 28 years old, I'm a librarian.
“We are a quiet, clean and organised couple. We adapt easily. We like dogs, gym/sports.
“Our budget is €1000 a month but could be flexible for the right place. Thank you in advance.”
Mercy University Hospital, where she worked as a contract cleaner, last night paid tribute to her.
The hospital said in a statement: “On behalf of management and staff at Mercy University Hospital Cork and Bidvest Noonan’s Contract Cleaners we are saddened and shocked at the tragic and unexpected death of Bruna Fonseca.
"Even though she was only working for a short time for the company at the hospital she was considered a hard and diligent worker and an esteemed colleague.
"We extend our deepest condolences to her friends in Cork, and her family and friends in Brazil. May she rest in peace.”
A friend expressed her devastation at the killing. Laiana Gazel said: “It is so sad.
“She arrived in September, and I just remember her saying that her boyfriend was going to arrive in November and she wanted to rent a room for the two of them to be together. It was in September! I talked to her about a job.“
Officers are conducting door to door enquires and checking local CCTV to ascertain the movements and events leading up to Fonseca's death.
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