In a devastating incident that has shocked communities in both Portugal and the UK, 13-year-old British boy Alfie Hallett was found dead at his family’s home in the quiet village of Casais, near the historic city of Tomar, on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. The teenager, described by loved ones as a gentle and talented young athlete, was allegedly stabbed multiple times by his mother’s former partner in a brutal act of domestic violence that culminated in tragedy. The suspect, a 43-year-old Portuguese man named locally as Goncalo Carvalho, also died at the scene following a deliberate gas explosion that rocked the property just as emergency services arrived.

The attack unfolded in the peaceful parish of Casais, part of the Tomar municipality, located about 90 minutes northeast of Lisbon in central Portugal. Known for its medieval landmarks and serene countryside, Tomar is a far cry from the violence that erupted that fateful morning. Police were alerted around midday to reports of domestic disturbance at the family apartment. Upon arrival, officers discovered a scene of unimaginable horror: young Alfie in cardiorespiratory arrest with severe stab wounds from a bladed weapon, his 43-year-old British mother bound hand and foot after being assaulted, and the alleged perpetrator suffering from self-inflicted knife injuries.

Despite initial vital signs, both Alfie and the suspect were pronounced dead moments later. As authorities entered the home, a strong smell of gas filled the air, leading to a sudden explosion believed to have been intentionally triggered by the attacker. The blast injured one National Republican Guard (GNR) officer, underscoring the desperate and dangerous nature of the confrontation. Alfie’s mother, who managed to free herself and seek help from neighbors after the initial assault, was rushed to a nearby hospital where she received treatment for her injuries and ongoing psychological support.

Investigators from Portugal’s Polícia Judiciária (PJ) quickly classified the incident as a case linked to domestic violence, with prior complaints on record from 2022 and 2023 involving the couple. The suspect, Carvalho, had a troubling history: he had previously served a lengthy prison sentence for aggravated homicide, convicted as a teenager for stabbing another man 35 times in a park. Released early for good behavior about a decade ago, he reportedly struggled to let go of the relationship, exhibiting obsessive behavior. Neighbors recounted hearing frequent arguments from the home and noted that Carvalho often slept in his car outside the property in an attempt to monitor or control his ex-partner, even after their separation.

Alfie Hallett’s short life was one marked by resilience and joy amid family changes. Born in Brighton and raised initially in Bognor Regis on the West Sussex coast, Alfie moved to Portugal in 2016 at the age of four when his mother began a relationship with a Portuguese man named Paulo and relocated to Tomar. His parents had divorced when he was very young, and the move severed much of the contact with his British side of the family. His grandmother, Linda Hallett, speaking from her home in the UK, expressed profound grief, describing Alfie as a “lovely, gentle boy with a heart of gold.” She believes the teenager died heroically, intervening to protect his mother during the attack. “I believe Alfie died trying to protect his mother,” she said, adding that the news left her devastated on Christmas Eve morning.

Linda fondly recalled Alfie’s early years and the last time she saw him, during a Christmas visit to the UK in 2018 arranged through legal channels by his father, Mark Hallett. Efforts to maintain contact proved challenging, but those who knew Alfie in Portugal paint a picture of a vibrant, happy youngster thriving in his new home. An avid basketball player, Alfie was a beloved member of the local Sport Club Operário Cem Soldos (SCOCS) team in Tomar. Just days before the tragedy, on Saturday, December 20, he played what would be his final game, performing exceptionally well—a performance his coaches later reflected on with eerie poignancy.

In an emotional Facebook post accompanied by a photo of Alfie framed with a black ribbon, the club mourned: “SCOCS Basketball has just become poorer today. Our athlete Alfie passed away today at the age of 13. He played his last game on Saturday, played so well that it seemed like he knew it was his last game but far from imagining it. We want to tell you how much we love you and that you will always be in our hearts! Rest in peace.” The tribute captured the shock rippling through the tight-knit basketball community. Opposing team Chamusca Basket Clube, whom Alfie faced in that final match, also expressed condolences, highlighting the irreparable loss to the sport and those who knew him.

The regional Santarém Basketball Association joined in, stating: “We express our deep sorrow over the death of athlete Alfie Hallett. To the family, friends, teammates, and the entire basketball community, we send our deepest condolences.” Parents and fans flooded social media with messages, one writing: “Rest in peace Alfie, the team will never forget you.” The memory of his enthusiasm on the court, his smiles, and his dedication have become a source of comfort amid the grief.

Local authorities in Casais, a small village where everyone knows one another, were not entirely surprised by the escalation. Luís Freire, president of the parish council for Casais and Alviobeira, confirmed that previous episodes of violence had been reported, noting: “There had already been several episodes of violence and, this time, things went very wrong.” Despite interventions and complaints filed by Alfie’s mother, the situation deteriorated fatally. The case highlights the persistent challenges in addressing domestic abuse, even when flagged to authorities.

The British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) responded swiftly, stating they were in contact with Portuguese authorities and ready to provide consular support to the family. As news spread across the UK, tributes poured in from Alfie’s birthplace communities in Brighton and Bognor Regis, where residents remembered a bright child full of potential.

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers of domestic violence, which claims lives across borders and backgrounds. Experts in family violence note that possessive and controlling behavior, like that reportedly exhibited by the suspect, often escalates dangerously post-separation. In Portugal, domestic abuse cases have been on the rise in recent years, prompting calls for stronger protective measures, faster response times, and better support for victims relocating or in cross-cultural relationships.

Alfie’s story also touches on the experiences of expatriate families. Moving abroad for love can bring new opportunities, but it can complicate family dynamics, access to support networks, and legal protections in custody or violence situations. His mother’s decision to start anew in Portugal brought Alfie into a welcoming community where he flourished in sports and school, yet it ultimately placed them in the path of unrelenting danger.

As the investigation continues, forensic teams comb the explosion site for evidence, and the community prepares to say goodbye to a boy taken far too soon. Vigils and memorials are being organized in both Tomar and the UK, with funds emerging to support bereavement services for families affected by similar overseas tragedies. Alfie Hallett’s legacy—as a courageous son, a talented athlete, and a kind-hearted young man—will endure in the hearts of those he touched.

In the words of his basketball club, Alfie will “always be in our hearts.” His untimely death not only robs a family of their beloved child but also underscores the urgent need for vigilance, support, and prevention in the face of domestic threats. The village of Casais, once tranquil, now bears the scars of this heartbreaking event, a somber note as the holiday season unfolds.