Doura’s crime (1904)

On October 2, 1904, here on the rocky outcrop known as Pedras Ruivas, a homicide was committed that stirred the peace of Viana do Castelo and threw a simple embroiderer named Maria das Dores Doura into the spotlight. Doura, as she became known, was a woman married with children and gifted in the art of making regional embroidery, she had an extramarital relationship of some years with a cousin named José Gonçalves Douro, baker by profession. On April 18, 1901, José Gonçalves Douro drafted a will where he appointed his cousin and lover Doura as heir but over the years the baker realizing of the exploitation and pondered its annulment. This was the reason that led Doura to premeditate the murder of his cousin. The execution of the crime was carried out by Manuel Martins Soares, also known as “Bravo”, at the request of Doura who promised him a sum of money for the deed. As the novel was not a secret for the popular and Doura did not stop showing public displeasure about the possible annulment of the will, the police easily identified her as a suspect. Doura and “Bravo” were arrested and sentenced. After completing 18 years of captivity, Doura returned to his home in Santa Marta de Portuzelo. On September 23, 1937, she was admitted to the Congregation and Hospital of Velhos e Entravados de Nossa Senhora da Caridade, where she died at the age of 86.

On October 2, 1904, here on the rocky outcrop known as Pedras Ruivas, a homicide was committed that stirred the peace of Viana do Castelo and threw a simple embroiderer named Maria das Dores Doura into the spotlight. Doura, as she became known, was a woman married with children and gifted in the art of making regional embroidery, she had an extramarital relationship of some years with a cousin named José Gonçalves Douro, baker by profession. On April 18, 1901, José Gonçalves Douro drafted a will where he appointed his cousin and lover Doura as heir but over the years the baker realizing of the exploitation and pondered its annulment. This was the reason that led Doura to premeditate the murder of his cousin. The execution of the crime was carried out by Manuel Martins Soares, also known as “Bravo”, at the request of Doura who promised him a sum of money for the deed. As the novel was not a secret for the popular and Doura did not stop showing public displeasure about the possible annulment of the will, the police easily identified her as a suspect. Doura and “Bravo” were arrested and sentenced. After completing 18 years of captivity, Doura returned to his home in Santa Marta de Portuzelo. On September 23, 1937, she was admitted to the Congregation and Hospital of Velhos e Entravados de Nossa Senhora da Caridade, where she died at the age of 86.

Location

QR code: Pedras Ruivas

Coordinates

Lat: 41.6936177

Long: -8.8508163

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