One day after tragedy, Suzano prepares for wakes and funerals

The people of Suzano—a city 57 km away from São Paulo—woke up this Thursday (Mar. 14) questioning the reasons behind the massacre in the Raul Brasil State School, where ten people died and 11 were injured. The day will be marked by farewells, with a number of wakes and funerals slated to take place today.

Home to 1.3 million, the city is preparing for an official three-day period of mourning and a group wake at the Suzano Arena, in the Max Feffer Park. – Reuters / Ueslei Marcelino / Rights reserved

Home to 1.3 million, the city is preparing for an official three-day period of mourning and a group wake at the Suzano Arena, in the Max Feffer Park. Five students as well as two school workers and the uncle of one of the perpetrators were murdered by shooters Guilherme Taucci Monteiro, 17, and Luiz Henrique de Castro, 25. Both are also among the dead. Guilherme killed Luiz Henrique, then killed himself.In compliance with instructions by city authorities, educators will meet tomorrow (15) to outline the measures to be taken regarding the 26 thousand local public school students, in a bid to curb violence and abuse, and to encourage the preservation of a peaceful school environment.

Assistance

Teams formed by psychologists will also offer support, alongside social workers, psychiatrists, nurses, and occupational therapists, to help victims’ friends and family members. Some 200 people visited the place yesterday alone.

Authorities at the São Paulo Secretariat for Public Security argue that the crime had been meticulously planned. The youths attacked first Jorge Antônio Mores, uncle of one of them, at a car rental store. Then, they stole a car and headed for the school. Once inside the premises, they started the attacks.

The shooters are reported to have wielded a .38 gun, a crossbow, and a hatchet. Their actions only stopped when they were cornered by the police and saw no way out. At this point, one of the gunmen shot the other, and subsequently killed himself.

Background

According to the police, Guilherme Taucci Monteiro and Luiz Henrique de Castro used to go to school where the shooting took place. They lived near one of the surviving victims, near the school.

São Paulo State Secretary for Education Rossieli Soares said Guilherme studied at the school until 2017 and had no misbehavior or major difficulties registered. Last year, however, he left the school and was being offered support to return to the classroom.