COLD CASE: Wife ‘Killed Husband’ And Hid Body In Freezer

A woman accused of killing her husband and hiding his corpse in a freezer has been seized by police in Brazil.

Claudia Tavares Hoeckler (right) poses with her husband Valdemir Hoeckler (left) in an undated photo. She allegedly killed her husband in Lacerdopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022. (@claudia.tavares.hoeckler/Newsflash)

Claudia Tavares Hoeckler, 40, allegedly murdered her 52-year-old husband Valdemir Hoeckler at their home in the town of Lacerdopolis, in the southern Brazilian region of Santa Catarina, on 13th November.

She reportedly turned herself in at a police station a week later, on 21st November, accompanied by several lawyers after going on the run.

Local media report that she told police she had suffered years of physical, sexual and mental abuse from her husband during their 23 years together.

Photo shows Claudia Tavares Hoeckler, undated photo. She allegedly killed her husband, Valdemir Hoeckler, in Lacerdopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022. (Newsflash)

Police formally arrested Hoeckler and, according to local media, she gave a statement.

Investigators have declared the killing a murder case and say the victim was killed by a blow to the back of his head.

The judge overseeing the case reportedly said: “The temporary segregation of the defendant, at this time, will also allow for a better elucidation of the facts, as it will prevent the defendant from creating embarrassments for the investigation of the criminal case, especially to clarify the reasons and circumstances of the crime and the possible participation of third parties.”

Hoeckler has been placed under temporary arrest, which can last up to 30 days, while the investigation is carried out.

Her husband’s body was found on 19th November in the freezer at the family home.

Claudia Tavares Hoeckler (left) poses with her husband Valdemir Hoeckler (right) in an undated photo. She allegedly killed her husband in Lacerdopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022. (@claudia.tavares.hoeckler/Newsflash)

He had been missing since Monday, 14th November, when he failed to show up for work.

His family had reportedly been looking for him for a week before the police found his body.

Hoeckler reportedly consented to the search but then disappeared until she turned herself in.

The suspect – who also had bruises and signs of violence in her body – told police her husband had frequently threatened to kill her.

She is quoted in local media saying: “He wouldn’t let me do anything, I just didn’t have a life of my own. I couldn’t go out with friends.

“I was going to the salon to get my hair done and I had to leave with wet hair because he was bugging me for taking so long.

Claudia Tavares Hoeckler (left) poses with her husband Valdemir Hoeckler (right) in an undated photo. She allegedly killed her husband in Lacerdopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022. (@claudia.tavares.hoeckler/Newsflash)

“I had to race against time, my life has always been under pressure.”

The investigation is ongoing.