A jilted brute who shot his pharmacist ex in the face four times has claimed he is immune from prosecution because he is insane.

Cruel Willian Hottz da Silva shot his ex dead outside her home after lying in wait for her as she returned home from work on 2nd February.

The horrific crime has shocked Sumidouro, Brazil, whose population is just 15,709 and where victim Yasminny Couto Ribeiro, 28, was well known and liked.

After the shooting, eyewitnesses reported seeing Da Silva, 32, leaving the scene by car.

A short while later, police caught him and seized a .38 calibre revolver from him.

He confessed to killing his ex but, bizarrely, told Civil Police during questioning that he was insane.

Investigators threw out his insanity plea after finding evidence suggesting his actions were premeditated.

He has since been remanded in custody in Rio de Janeiro.

Police say Da Silva made several threats towards Yasminny before the crime.

In one incident dating to 2019, she claimed he was stalking her and told her she would “pay dearly” for leaving him.

They had broken up in October that year after a nine-year relationship.

Da Silva is reported to have a criminal record for making threats, defamation, and domestic violence.

A friend of Yasminny wrote online: “Always beautiful and with a smile on her face. A wonderful person who never deserved this.

“May God welcome you with open arms! You will leave a huge void in our hearts.”