DEERFIELD BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — A man is in custody following a fire in Deerfield Beach that left a woman dead. The remains of her burned body were found in the residence by firefighters as they attacked the blaze. The Broward Sheriff’s Office issued this statement to BocaNewsNow.com:
Broward Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit detectives announce the arrest of Genivaldo Gomes Moreira for killing Ana De Souza and setting her home on fire three days ago.
At approximately 4:34 a.m., Broward County Regional Communications received reports of a residential fire at a duplex located at 4329 N.W. Fourth Ave. in Deerfield Beach. BSO district deputies and Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue responded. On scene, firefighters and deputies found the duplex engulfed in flames. Firefighters fought the residential fire until they extinguished the flames. Sadly, they found De Souza deceased inside the duplex.
Detectives from BSO’s Homicide and Crime Scene units responded to the scene and began conducting a death investigation. The victim’s dog also died as a result of the fire.
Through investigative methods, homicide detectives identified Gomes Moreira as the suspect, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Gomes Moreira fled the area in a gold 2002 Saturn. Law enforcement officers located the suspect in Manatee County and took him into custody. He is expected to be extradited to Broward County. Gomes Moreira was arrested on one count of felony murder, arson and cruelty to an animal.
