Inquest Rules Death of Daniela Espirito Santo Unlawful

Daniela Espirito Santo, a 23-year-old mother from Grantham, was unlawfully killed following an assault by her partner, Julio Jesus, according to a jury's inquest verdict. She died from acute myocardial insufficiency triggered by severe emotional stress after reporting the assault to police, who mishandled her emergency call, keeping her on hold for eight minutes. Despite multiple reports of domestic abuse leading up to her death, police failed to adequately investigate and protect her, allowing Mr. Jesus to breach his bail conditions. The jury highlighted systemic failings in the handling of domestic violence cases by Lincolnshire Police, stating these missed opportunities contributed to her death. The force has since apologized to Espirito Santo's family. This tragic case underscores the critical need for improved police training and response to domestic abuse incidents.