A tragic story of abuse has come to a devastating end with the death of 27-year-old Leigh-Anne McKenzie, a South African woman from Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal, who was shot and killed in Brazil, allegedly by her former partner and abuser, Ian Alexander Bruder Hay.
The killing occurred one day after McKenzie arrived in Brazil to visit Hay, a 30-year-old US military veteran, who had previously been arrested in Texas on domestic violence charges.
Timeline of abuse and flight from justice
McKenzie’s ordeal began in Houston, Texas in October 2024, where she was subjected to a brutal assault by Hay.
Police charged him with Assault Family Violence Impeding Breathing, a felony linked to strangulation and physical harm.
McKenzie sustained three spinal fractures and head trauma in the attack and later recounted in a GoFundMe campaign post: “He had told me numerous times that he was going to kill me. As I feared for my safety, I tried to escape the apartment.”
Despite the severity of the charges, Hay was released on $50 000 bond and fled to Brazil in December 2024, avoiding prosecution in the United States.
Final days and double tragedy in Curitiba
McKenzie travelled to Brazil on 18 July 2025, where she met with Hay in Curitiba.
Less than 24 hours later, he shot her twice before taking his own life.
Their bodies were discovered on 20 July, after a neighbour reported blood dripping through the ceiling of the apartment.
Authorities found a highly disturbing crime scene, including a 9mm pistol, ammunition, cocaine rocks, hundreds of syringes used for substance abuse, two magazines with extenders for 30 rounds each, a spiral magazine with a capacity of 50 rounds, six cellphones, two precision scales, a computer, a pocket knife, watches, and jewelry inside the apartment.
These findings suggest a deeper pattern of criminal behaviour and mental instability that may have contributed to the tragedy.
Crucially, there is no reported evidence that Hay coerced McKenzie to come see him in Brazil.
Her mother allegedly told police that she met Hay last year in the United States when she went to visit an ex-boyfriend, but didn’t share additional details about their relationship.
Calls for accountability and protection
The case has reignited international outrage over the handling of domestic violence cases and failures in cross-border justice systems.
Many are questioning how Hay was allowed to leave the US while on bail and why McKenzie was left exposed to further danger.
South African consular officials are working with Brazilian authorities to facilitate the repatriation of McKenzie’s remains.
Remembering Leigh-Anne
Leigh-Anne McKenzie is remembered by friends and family as bright, resilient, and deeply compassionate.
Her story has touched many and serves as a stark reminder of the devastating toll of gender-based violence and the need for urgent international cooperation to protect survivors.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, support is available. In South Africa, contact the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre at 0800 428 428 or send a “Please Call Me” to 1207867# (free from any network).
If you witnessed Gender-Based Violence (GBV) first-hand, would you report it?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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