Who was Tais Bruna de Castro? 36-year-old Brazilian book influencer killed in shocking public stabbing

Time of India

a day ago

Beloved Brazilian book influencer Tais Bruna de Castro was killed in a shocking public stabbing on June 2. The 36-year-old was reportedly having lunch at the Beco Fino shopping center in Jundiaí, São Paulo, when she was approached by a man later identified as 40-year-old Claudio Elizeu, a cleaner at the mall.
According to a US Weekly report, Elizeu stabbed Tais more than 20 times before breaking into an office, smashing windows, and damaging furniture. Authorities arrested him at the scene, and he allegedly told police he attacked her because she was not interested in pursuing a romantic relationship. Officials confirmed the two did not share a close relationship before the attack.
Tais Bruna de Castro's family shares statement
Following her tragic death, Tais' family took to her Instagram account to confirm the heartbreaking news.
'This week, our dear Tais Bruna, the owner of this profile, left us in a very sad and even unbelievable way,' they wrote. 'Leitora Fashion was one of her joys. Talking about literature, recommending new works and chatting with you here made her day happier.' They described her as someone who brought 'smiles, sweetness, and joy' to those around her, promising to keep her memory alive.
#JustiçaPorTais: A movement against femicide gains momentum
In the aftermath, friends and supporters launched the hashtag #JustiçaPorTais, demanding accountability and tougher laws around femicide in Brazil. In a follow-up post, the family wrote,
'We can't let her be just another case, another number… Not only to keep the memory of our beautiful Tais alive, but also to fight for tougher laws in cases of femicide, an act of cowardice and extreme cruelty against women.'
They called for serious reforms, including harsher penalties like life imprisonment and even the death penalty for perpetrators of such crimes. 'Help spread this message,' they urged, 'so that our voice is heard in the four corners of the country!'
Who was Tais Bruna de Castro? A literary voice gone too soon
Tais Bruna de Castro was a well-loved Brazilian book influencer who ran the popular Instagram account Leitora Fashion, where she connected with over 8,000 followers. Her content focused primarily on the romance genre, sharing heartfelt reviews, curated book lists, and personal reflections that resonated deeply with her audience.
Tais was a huge Swiftie and often shared Taylor Swift-related art on her Instagram account. In one of the posts shared back in January 2024, she was seen doting over Swift's romance with her NFL star beau. Travis Kelce. Along with it, she wrote, "They are the end game."
She had shared her final post just hours before her death on June 2, offering a glimpse into her usual warmth and literary passion. In the post, she shared a wrap-up of the books she read in May, writing: "May readings ❤️ Overall, it was a pretty good month. I kept up my usual pace and even found two new favorites that completely won my heart. How have your readings been?" The post now stands as a bittersweet reminder of her love for literature and the way she always made space for conversation and connection with her followers.
Tais had a distinct way of making her followers feel like close friends, often pairing her posts with cozy visuals, quotes, and commentary that celebrated love, emotion, and storytelling. More than just a page about books, Leitora Fashion was a safe space for women's literary pursuits.
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