A tragic road rage shooting in Rio de Janeiro has left a young family devastated after a mother of two was killed while travelling in a ride-share car. The heartbreaking incident happened just days before Mother’s Day and shortly before her younger daughter’s birthday, turning what should have been a joyful family moment into an unimaginable loss.
Mother Of Two Killed In Rio Road Rage Shooting
Thamires Rodrigues de Souza Peixoto, 28, was sitting in the back seat of a ride-share vehicle on May 7, 2026, when she was suddenly struck by a bullet during a traffic dispute.
According to reports, the ride-share driver had argued with another driver on the road moments before the shooting. Investigators later identified the other driver as Frede Uilson Souza de Jesus.
Authorities said the officer allegedly fired at the vehicle after the argument escalated. The bullet went through the rear window and hit Peixoto in the back.
Security Footage Captured The Incident
Security camera footage reportedly showed the moments before the shooting. In the video, the black ride-share car can be seen moving through traffic while a white vehicle believed to belong to the police officer approached closely behind it.
After the shooting, the ride-share driver rushed Peixoto to a nearby hospital. Sadly, doctors could not save her.
The officer later surrendered to police and was arrested on May 8. Officials confirmed he has been removed from duty while an internal investigation is underway.
Reports also revealed that the officer had previously faced allegations related to falsifying documents.
Mother’s Day Celebration Turned Into Mourning
Peixoto was reportedly on her way to a beauty salon to prepare for a Mother’s Day event at her daughters’ school. Following news of her death, the school, Colégio Interativo GPI, cancelled the celebration.
In a statement, the school expressed deep sadness over the loss and said postponing the event was the most respectful decision for the grieving family.
Instead of celebrating Mother’s Day together, Peixoto’s loved ones gathered for her funeral on May 9 — the same day her younger daughter turned four years old.
Family Left Heartbroken After Sudden Loss
Family members and friends described Peixoto as loving, supportive, and deeply devoted to her children.
Her cousin, Samara Luana, called her the “pillar of the family” and said she was living one of the happiest phases of her life before the tragedy happened.
A close friend shared that the children were gently told their mother had “turned into a little star” as they said goodbye to her.
At the cemetery, Peixoto’s grieving mother broke down in tears, asking what would become of her and her granddaughters without her daughter.
Investigation Into The Shooting Continues
Authorities in Brazil are continuing to investigate the shooting and the actions of the police officer involved. The case has sparked public anger and renewed discussions about road rage violence and misuse of firearms.
Many people across Brazil have expressed sympathy for Peixoto’s family and outrage that a traffic dispute ended with the death of an innocent mother.
