Man charged with murder, arson in Deerfield Beach fire

Genivaldo Gomes Moreira, 41, was arrested on charges of felony murder, arson, and animal cruelty following a deadly fire that claimed the life of 54-year-old Ana De Souza and her dog in Deerfield Beach. The fire, which occurred early Friday morning, led firefighters to discover De Souza deceased in a back bedroom of her duplex. Authorities suspect that the fire was deliberately set, and evidence suggests that De Souza may have been murdered before the flames engulfed the home. Gomes Moreira, identified as De Souza's boyfriend, fled the scene but was later apprehended in Manatee County. Family members of De Souza expressed their devastation and have called for justice, highlighting a history of a volatile relationship between De Souza and Gomes Moreira. Investigators continue to look into the precise circumstances surrounding the incident.