Former basketball star Igor Cabral arrested for brutal elevator assault in Natal

In a horrifying incident that stunned Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, on July 26, 2025, former basketball player Igor Eduardo Pereira Cabral, 29, was arrested in the act after viciously assaulting his girlfriend, Juliana Garcia dos Santos Soares, 35, with 61 punches in an elevator at the upscale Sun Golden condominium in Ponta Negra. The attack, driven by jealousy over non-romantic messages found on Juliana’s phone, was captured by security cameras, revealing the ferocity of the violence. Juliana suffered severe facial and jaw fractures, requiring reconstructive surgery. Investigated as attempted femicide, the case has sparked widespread outrage and reignited debates on domestic violence and safety in private spaces. Cabral’s arrest was converted to preventive detention, with the case under seal to protect the victim.

The assault followed a heated argument at a condominium barbecue, where Cabral, consumed by jealousy, threw Juliana’s phone into a pool. Aware of the cameras, Juliana stayed in the elevator to avoid further violence in unmonitored areas, but the attack persisted. The swift response of doorman Manoel Anésio, 60, who alerted police, and residents who restrained Cabral, ensured his immediate arrest. The incident exposed vulnerabilities in preventing violence in secure settings and raised questions about the effectiveness of protective measures.

• Location: Sun Golden condominium elevator, Ponta Negra, Natal.
• Trigger: Jealousy over messages on Juliana’s phone.
• Injuries: Facial and jaw fractures requiring reconstructive surgery.
• Response: Doorman and residents acted swiftly to detain Cabral.

The brutality, with 61 punches in 35 seconds, shocked investigators. Juliana, unable to speak due to her injuries, wrote a note in the hospital detailing prior death threats by Cabral, strengthening the attempted femicide charge. In a TV interview, she described the terror of the attack and her decision to stay in the elevator, hoping the cameras would protect her.

Details of the police investigation

The Specialized Women’s Assistance Police Station, led by investigator Victória Lisboa, is conducting a thorough probe. The 35-second security footage, showing Cabral initiating the attack with a punch that knocked Juliana down, followed by relentless blows, is central to the case. Medical reports confirm fractures to the zygomatic bone, orbit, and jaw, necessitating a seven-hour reconstructive surgery on July 31 at the Onofre Lopes University Hospital in Natal.

Investigators are exploring prior abuse in the couple’s two-year relationship. Juliana reported controlling behavior, including shoves and encouragement of self-harm. Witnesses, including residents and security staff, are providing statements to establish a history of abuse.

• Evidence: 35-second video, medical reports, and witness testimonies.
• Abuse history: Reports of psychological and physical aggression.
• Legal status: Cabral remains in preventive detention, facing attempted femicide charges.
• Victim protection: Case under seal to safeguard Juliana.

The video’s clarity bolsters the prosecution, aggravated by documented death threats. Cabral’s defense cited a “claustrophobic episode” linked to an autism spectrum disorder, but Lisboa dismissed this, emphasizing the attack’s deliberate nature. The prosecution is preparing a formal charge, with the case expected to draw national attention.

Community reaction in Natal

Ponta Negra, a serene beachside neighborhood, was shaken by the violence in the Sun Golden condominium, known for its exclusivity. Residents expressed disbelief at the incident in their tranquil community. Doorman Manoel Anésio’s quick action, notifying police within eight minutes as required by a 2020 state law, was pivotal.

Feminist groups, such as the Leila Diniz Collective, staged protests in Natal, demanding stricter enforcement of the Maria da Penha Law, enacted in 2006 to protect women. An online campaign raised R$15,000 for Juliana’s medical and legal costs, reflecting community solidarity. The hashtag #JusticeForJuliana garnered 50,000 mentions by August 4, amplifying discussions on gender-based violence.

• Community action: Residents restrained Cabral until police arrived.
• Protests: Demonstrations in Natal for stronger women’s protections.
• Solidarity: Online fundraising for Juliana’s recovery.
• Social media: #JusticeForJuliana went viral.

The Sun Golden management announced a security protocol review, including enhanced camera monitoring and staff training to detect abuse. The case underscored the vulnerability of women in private spaces and the need for proactive prevention.

Profile of Igor Cabral

Born in Brasília, Igor Cabral had a promising career in 3×3 basketball, representing Brazil at the 2014 Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China, and playing for clubs like Liga Sorocabana. Following the incident, he deactivated his social media accounts, previously used to showcase his athletic achievements. The National Basketball League condemned violence but refrained from commenting directly on Cabral, who left the league in 2013.

A prior altercation in Caicó is under investigation, suggesting a potential pattern of aggression. Police are probing whether other victims may emerge as media coverage grows. Cabral’s once-positive image as an athlete is now overshadowed by the severity of the crime.

• Career: Former 3×3 basketball player with international experience.
• History: Caicó incident under review.
• Social media: Accounts deactivated post-arrest.
• Sports community: League condemns violence, avoids direct statements.

The case has tarnished Cabral’s legacy, raising questions about accountability for public figures in preventing abusive behavior.

Juliana’s recovery journey

Juliana Garcia dos Santos Soares faces a challenging recovery. Initially treated at Walfredo Gurgel Hospital, she underwent osteosynthesis surgery at Onofre Lopes University Hospital to repair facial fractures. The procedure, involving plates and screws, was successful, but recovery may take months, with potential speech and chewing impairments.

In a “Domingo Espetacular” interview on RecordTV, Juliana described not recognizing herself in the mirror and labeled Cabral’s jealousy as “11 out of 10.” She recounted a January 2025 incident where Cabral falsely accused her, later retracted, which she regrets not reporting. Natal’s women’s support network, including Casa da Mulher Brasileira, provides legal and psychological aid, inspiring Juliana to encourage other women to report abuse.

• Injuries: Fractures to face, jaw, and orbit.
• Surgery: Osteosynthesis completed on July 31.
• Support: Legal and psychological assistance in Natal.
• Advocacy: Juliana urges others to report violence.

Her decision to stay in the elevator, relying on cameras, and her courage in sharing her story have galvanized support and highlighted reporting channels like 180 and 190.

Gender violence debate

The case has reignited discussions on the Maria da Penha Law’s effectiveness. In 2024, Rio Grande do Norte recorded 67 attempted femicides, a 71% increase from 2023, per the 2025 Brazilian Public Security Yearbook. Nationally, a woman faces violence every 15 seconds, underscoring the crisis.

Experts like Amanda Sadalla from the Serenas group advocate for condominium staff training and educational campaigns to identify abuse signs, such as excessive jealousy. The 2020 state law mandating violence reporting by condominiums is inconsistently enforced, hindered by lax oversight. The case’s visibility, driven by the video, emphasizes cameras’ role in evidence collection and the need for robust support networks.

• Statistics: 67 attempted femicides in RN in 2024.
• Maria da Penha Law: Progress marred by underreporting.
• Proposals: Staff training and educational initiatives.
• Cameras: Critical for proving violence cases.

The incident highlights the urgent need for preventive measures and stronger public policies to protect women, particularly in private settings where abuse often goes unnoticed.