SANTIAGO, Chile — In a chilling encounter that turned a vacation nightmare into a brutal reality, Maressa Nunes, a 31-year-old Brazilian tourist, was viciously attacked and robbed by a man posing as a delivery driver in Santiago, Chile. This horrifying event took place when Nunes, hailing from Maringá in the southern region of Brazil, and a companion decided to order a meal to their vacation rental through a popular app.
The incident started on June 24, when Nunes opened her door expecting to receive her food order. Instead, she was confronted by an assailant who forced his way into the apartment. Brandishing a firearm, the attacker not only threatened the women with sexual violence but proceeded to call additional accomplices over a video call to potentially join the assault.
Nunes, who was previously a bodybuilder, bravely fought back against her assailant. Despite her resistance, the situation escalated into a more severe attack; she and her friend were physically assaulted and robbed of their belongings including watches, jewelry, and mobile phones.
The crime spree was interrupted and the attackers fled when the arrival of the actual food delivery person tipped off the building staff that something was amiss. Neighbors, hearing the distraught calls for help, alerted the police.
The attack left Nunes with serious injuries requiring medical attention, while her friend suffered minor injuries. Nunes, due to the severity of her injuries, which include fractures to her eye sockets, jaw, and nose, as well as numerous bruises and bite marks, remains in critical condition.
Her sister, Larissa Nunes, described the ordeal as “barbaric” and expressed profound concern about the physical assault. She detailed that the assailant even placed a gun in her sister’s mouth during the attack, illustrating the extreme violence involved.
Currently, Nunes is unable to return to Brazil due to the medical risks associated with air travel in her condition. Her family is seeking to arrange a medical flight, fearing further health complications if she were to travel on a regular flight.
Authorities in Santiago are investigating the incident, though to date, no arrests have been made. The family has started a crowdfunding initiative to cover medical expenses and facilitate Nunes’ safe return to Brazil as her treatment continues.
Following the incident, Brazil’s Minister of Women Cida Gonçalves issued a statement condemning the violence and affirming the government’s support for Nunes and her friend. The statement was a response to a direct appeal from Nunes’ family to the Brazilian authorities to assist in managing the aftermath of the assault.
This terrifying event underscores the vulnerabilities tourists may face abroad and brings attention to the broader issue of violence against women. It also prompts a discussion on the safety of using digital platforms for services like food delivery when in a foreign country. The swift response from neighbors and building staff likely prevented an even worse outcome, highlighting the role of community vigilance and support in such critical situations. As the investigation continues, both victims and their families hope for justice and a sense of safety in the aftermath of what was supposed to be a leisurely holiday.