Man stabbed by ex-girlfriend on Cape Cod 'was an incredible person,' family says

The family of a 33-year-old man who prosecutors say was stabbed to death by his ex-girlfriend on Cape Cod this week says he was “the victim of a violent and unjust act” and “cruelly taken away in an unimaginable way.”

Renato Chaves has been identified as the victim of a fatal stabbing that occurred on Wednesday evening, June 27.

Juscelene Guedes, 29, of Centerville, was charged with murder and battery with a dangerous weapon in connection with Chaves' death, Cape and Islands District Attorney Robert Galibois' office announced Thursday.

Guedes identified Chaves as her ex-boyfriend, according to a filing in district court.

“Renato was an incredible person, always smiling and ready to help anyone who needed it,” Chaves’ family wrote in a GoFundMe campaign. “A tireless worker, he had a big heart and made a difference in the lives of everyone around him. His passing leaves a huge void in our lives and hearts.”

The goal of the GoFundMe, which raised more than $8,000 as of Friday afternoon, is to help cover Chaves' funeral expenses.

The family is seeking to raise $15,000 to send his body to be buried alongside his family in Brazil.

“The cost of transporting the body is high and the family, already devastated by the loss, cannot afford all the expenses. That is why we are asking for help from anyone who can contribute, no matter how small, so that we can raise the funds needed to send Renato’s body home,” the GoFundMe continued. “Your contribution, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated and will make a significant difference. We thank everyone who can help, whether through donations or by sharing this campaign. Let us come together to say a final goodbye to our friend and support his family during this very difficult time.”

Authorities received a 911 call reporting the crash near the TD Bank location on Route 28 in Hyannis around 7:20 p.m. Wednesday, Galibois said. First responders found a man, later identified as Chaves, inside the car with a stab wound to the chest.

Chaves was taken to Cape Cod Hospital in critical condition. And shortly before 8:40 p.m., he was pronounced dead, prosecutors said. Guedes was a passenger in the car and police arrested her at the scene, authorities said.

Guedes was held without bail after being arraigned Thursday in Barnstable District Court, Boston.com reported. She is due back in court for a probable cause hearing on August 5.