Taxi Driver Dies in Agonizing Death After Being Forced to Drink Acid During Robbery
Tiago Nicolau, a family man, was forced to drink acid during a robbery in Leme. He died after eight days of agony
The city of Leme, in the state of São Paulo, is in shock over the tragic death of Tiago Augusto Nicolau, a 30-year-old former Brazilian Air Force soldier, who died after being forced to ingest a corrosive substance during a violent robbery.
Tiago, a family man, married to Karina Schenaider Alves de Godoy and father of a little girl named Sofia, left home on June 10th with the intention of washing his vehicle, a Renault Sandero, at his mother's house. That was the last time he had contact with his loved ones. His final message was a text message to his wife letting her know where he was going.
Hours later, a sugar mill worker found him seriously injured on a rural road. Still conscious, Tiago reported that he had been intercepted by two armed men who forced him to drive to a remote area, where they brutally assaulted him and forced him to drink what was believed to be battery acid. The attackers then fled with his car and cell phone.
The man was rushed to Leme Hospital by the fire department, where he was immediately admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Doctors confirmed severe injuries to his tongue, mouth, larynx, and esophagus. Despite medical efforts, Tiago died on June 18 after eight days of agony.
The exact substance he ingested has not been officially revealed, although it is presumed to be battery acid. The case, initially classified as robbery, is now being investigated as aggravated homicide. The Leme Civil Police have not yet identified or arrested those responsible.
The victim was buried on June 20 in a brief and painful ceremony, with a sealed coffin, at the São João Batista Cemetery. His cousin, Taís Nicolau, lamented on social media: "They even took away our farewell. What a mother and father deserves to go through this!"
Tiago had abandoned his military career due to vision problems. Since then, he has been working as a ride-hailing driver and also listed himself as a micro-entrepreneur in loading and unloading services.
The São Paulo Public Security Secretariat reported that all measures are being taken to clarify the crime and find those responsible. The community demands justice.