The Rt. Rev. Robinson Cavalcanti, bishop of the breakaway Diocese of Recife, and his wife Miriam have been murdered, according to media reports from Brazil.
Police suspect the couple’s son Eduardo, whom they said attempted suicide after the murders.
Cavalcanti participated without authorization in a confirmation service held by schismatic Episcopal churches in 2004, and was deposed by the Anglican Church of Brazil. He and much of the diocese then joined the more theologically conservative Province of the Southern Cone in 2005.
Here is a Google translation of the announcement that appeared on the diocesan website:
On Sunday night (26) a barbaric crime shocked the city of Olinda, Pernambuco, and also Brazil. The well-known Bishop Edward Robinson de Barros Cavalcanti, 68, of the Anglican Church, and his wife Miriam Cotias Cavalcanti Nunes Machado, 64, were killed by stabbing the couple’s adopted son, Eduardo Cavalcanti Olimpio Cotias, 29.
The young man was in Brazil for three days and was a drug user, according to police in Recife. Edward lived in the United States where he was arrested for drug possession. Witnesses said he was seen picking on the knife before the knife crime.
“He lived in Florida and was crossing the city. Yesterday [Sunday], he went to the church where his father worked. Then went home and heard the witnesses pestering the knife in the garden. He was a drug user and had been arrested for it. I believe that before the crime was no discussion with the parents, but the reasons are yet to be investigated, “said the officer responsible for the case Josedith Ferreira.
The Anglican bishop died within the family home in the neighborhood of Bultrins, around 22h. His wife came to be rescued and taken to the hospital, but succumbed and died. After attacking the country Eduardo tried to kill himself by taking poison and stabbing, the couple taken to hospital in no danger of death.
Eduardo Cavalcanti Hospital is on the Restoration of police custody and discharged when tests will be forwarded to the Institute of Criminalistics and then be taken to the Central Screening Abreu e Lima, the Kotel, the Great Reef.
On the death of Robinson Cavalcanti the Anglican Church Diocese of Recife, issued a statement on its Web site of the death regretting what happened. Check the text below:
It is with great regret that the Anglican Church – Diocese of Recife, announces the tragic death of Reverend Diocesan Bishop, Bishop Edward Robinson de Barros Cavalcanti, and his wife Miriam Cavalcanti, held this Sunday, 26.02.2012 at about 22h in the city Olinda-PE.
The diocesan family thanks God for life and devoted ministry of his Father in God, pastor, teacher and friend, a true prophet and martyr of our time, who championed the cause of the gospel of Christ for His church and the Anglican Communion , and always told his wife that, as a faithful helpmate, supported him in all the years of his ministry.
Left for Eternity leaving a legacy of service, love and steadfastness of doctrine, by which this Diocese will continue.
In due course we will be releasing day, time and place of his burial.
Revm º Bispo Evilásio Tenorio – Bispo Sufragâneo Eleito
No Revm Bishop Flavio Adair – Elected Bishop Suffragan
Rev. Márcio Simões – President of the Diocesan Council