What Happened to Elize Matsunaga?
Elize Matsunaga gained notoriety for the 2012 murder and dismemberment of her wealthy husband, Marcos Kitano Matsunaga, in Brazil. After confessing to the crime, she was convicted and sentenced to prison, with her sentence later reduced due to good behavior and confession. She was released on parole in 2022 and has since sought a private life, reportedly working as a seamstress, while her case continues to be a subject of public interest, notably through Netflix productions in 2021 and a new dramatized film released in July 2026.
Quick Answer
Elize Matsunaga, who murdered and dismembered her husband Marcos Kitano Matsunaga in 2012, was released on parole in 2022 after serving ten years of her reduced 16-year sentence. She has since attempted to live a private life, reportedly working as a seamstress and using her maiden name, Araújo. Her case gained renewed attention in July 2026 with the release of a new Netflix dramatized film, "Elize: Shadows of a Woman," which explores the events surrounding the crime.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Born Elize Araújo in Chopinzinho, Paraná, Brazil
Elize Matsunaga, originally Elize Araújo, was born in a small town in Paraná and experienced a difficult childhood, including her father abandoning the family and alleged abuse by her stepfather.
Worked as a high-end escort and met Marcos Matsunaga
After training as a nurse, Elize worked as an escort to fund law school and other expenses, where she met Marcos Kitano Matsunaga, a wealthy businessman who was still married at the time.
Married Marcos Kitano Matsunaga
Marcos divorced his first wife and married Elize, leading to a period where she was often described as a 'Cinderella' figure. They later had a daughter together.
Murder of Marcos Kitano Matsunaga
Elize Matsunaga shot her husband, Marcos Kitano Matsunaga, in the head at their São Paulo apartment, following arguments over his infidelity. She then dismembered his body.
Body parts discovered and Elize confesses
Marcos's dismembered body parts were found scattered in plastic bags along a road in Cotia, outside São Paulo. Elize initially reported him missing but confessed to the crime shortly after.
Conviction and initial sentencing
Elize Matsunaga was found guilty of intentional homicide and concealment of a corpse, and sentenced to 19 years, 11 months, and 1 day in prison, to be served at Tremembé Women's Penitentiary.
Sentence reduced and temporary furlough
Her sentence was reduced to 16 years and three months due to good behavior and her confession. She also received temporary releases (furloughs) for good behavior, during which she gave her first interview.
Netflix documentary "Elize Matsunaga: Once Upon a Crime" released
Netflix premiered a four-part docuseries featuring Elize Matsunaga's first in-depth interview since her incarceration, delving into the crime and her past.
Released on parole
After serving ten years of her sentence, Elize Matsunaga was granted parole. Conditions included regular court appearances and no contact with her daughter.
Attempted work as a ride-sharing driver; faced public scrutiny and investigation
Elize briefly worked as a driver for TaxiMaxim in Franca, São Paulo, but left due to significant public and media attention. She also faced an investigation over alleged document falsification for a job.
Viral claims of her being a cab driver refuted
Claims circulated online in 2025 about Elize working as a cab driver, but her lawyer confirmed these were false, stating she was working as a seamstress.
Netflix dramatized film "Elize: Shadows of a Woman" released
A new Brazilian crime drama film, a fictionalized retelling of Elize Matsunaga's case, premiered on Netflix, reigniting public interest in the story.
Living privately as a seamstress, no contact with daughter
As of mid-2026, Elize Matsunaga is reportedly working as a seamstress and living privately, using her maiden name, Araújo. She continues to be barred from contacting her daughter, who is being raised by Marcos's paternal grandparents.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Elize Matsunaga, born Elize Araújo in Chopinzinho, Paraná, had a challenging upbringing, including alleged abuse by her stepfather, which led her to leave home. She later trained as a nurse and worked as a high-end escort, where she met Marcos Kitano Matsunaga, the wealthy heir to the Yoki food company, who was then married. Their relationship led to Marcos divorcing his first wife and marrying Elize, with whom he had a daughter.
On May 19, 2012, Elize shot Marcos in the head at their São Paulo apartment, subsequently dismembering his body and scattering the parts in a wooded area outside the city. She initially reported him missing but confessed to the murder a few weeks later. The crime, which involved Elize hiring a private investigator to confirm Marcos's infidelity, shocked Brazil and sparked widespread public debate.
In December 2016, Matsunaga was convicted of intentional homicide and concealment of a corpse, receiving an initial sentence of 19 years, 11 months, and 1 day. Her sentence was later reduced to 16 years and three months in 2019, partly due to her confession and good behavior during incarceration. During her imprisonment, she took vocational courses and participated in a uniform manufacturing business.
A significant turning point came in 2022 when Elize Matsunaga was released on parole after serving ten years of her sentence. Conditions of her parole included regular court appearances, restrictions on changing residence without authorization, and the requirement to maintain employment. She was also barred from contacting her daughter, who remains in the care of Marcos's family.
Since her release, Elize has attempted to live a life away from public scrutiny. In 2023, she briefly worked as a ride-sharing app driver in Franca, São Paulo, but had to leave due to intense media and public attention. Her lawyer confirmed that she is now working as a seamstress and has reportedly adopted her maiden name, Araújo, for anonymity. Her story continues to captivate audiences, with a 2021 Netflix documentary, "Elize Matsunaga: Once Upon a Crime," featuring her first interview, and a new dramatized Netflix film, "Elize: Shadows of a Woman," premiering on July 22, 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Elize Matsunaga made different choices?