Lucia Nezbalova, a survivor of a brutal attack by her ex-partner and father of her daughter, gave an emotional statement during a hearing at the Central Criminal Court in Ireland. According to the court, Pedro Cifali, a 37-year-old Brazilian and former resident of Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, tracked Lucia’s car using an electronic device before attempting to kill her by stabbing her at the front door of her home in Garnish Square, Waterville, on May 10, 2024.
Detective Sergeant Mark Murphy reported that Lucia, 43, survived only because a doctor who lived nearby heard her screams and provided first aid until the ambulance arrived. The relationship between Pedro and Lucia had ended just one month before the crime. After their breakup, he placed the tracker on her car, allowing him to follow her around the city.
On the day of the attack, security cameras captured Pedro following Lucia while disguised with a baseball cap, blonde wig, and lightened beard, as he trailed her to Blanchardstown Shopping Centre and later to her home. Witnesses noticed Pedro’s suspicious behavior and alerted security, but he fled and went to Lucia’s residence where he waited for her arrival.
When she arrived, Lucia was caught off guard by Pedro, who said, “Don’t worry, I just want to talk,” but then immediately attacked her with a knife, stabbing her in the neck, back, abdomen, arms, and face. The wounds were so severe that her internal organs were visible. Doctors described the injuries as life-threatening. Lucia underwent emergency surgery and continues to receive treatment, with further operations planned.
Pedro fled the scene but surrendered himself to police the following morning, admitting the crime during questioning and indicating early on his intention to plead guilty.
The prosecution stated that the crime ranks among the most serious of its kind, given the level of planning, extreme violence, risk to life, and the domestic abuse context, recommending a sentence of 15 to 20 years. Pedro also faces charges of stalking and possession of a knife during the assault.
Lucia described the devastating impact of the attack: beyond permanent scars and constant pain, she developed post-traumatic stress disorder, severe anxiety, and depression. She was forced to return to work before fully healing and is now the sole provider for her family, without any support network in Ireland. She recounted her struggles to care for her young daughter and the ongoing fear that shadows her daily life.
The judge will hear the defense’s pleas for Pedro on October 20 before passing sentence.
