In a voice trembling with grief and raw emotion, the devastated grandmother of 13-year-old Alfie Hallett has poured out her sorrow over the brutal stabbing death of her beloved grandson in Portugal, declaring through tears: “We’re so sorry, he was a monster.” Speaking from her home in Bognor Regis, West Sussex, Linda Hallett described the alleged attacker, Goncalo Carvalho, as a dangerous individual whose dark history should have raised alarm bells long ago. “He died trying to protect his mother,” she added, believing Alfie’s final act was one of selfless bravery in the face of unimaginable terror.

The tragedy unfolded on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, in the quiet village of Casais, near the central Portuguese city of Tomar, shattering a community and leaving families on both sides of the Channel in profound mourning. As Britain reels from the loss just days before Christmas, fresh details have emerged about Carvalho’s disturbing criminal background, painting a picture of a man with a propensity for extreme violence that has left investigators shaken and the public demanding answers about potential missed opportunities to prevent the catastrophe.

Alfie Hallett, a bright and gentle boy with a passion for basketball, was found fatally stabbed in the family apartment he shared with his 43-year-old British mother. Emergency services rushed to the scene around midday after reports of a domestic disturbance, only to confront a nightmare: the teenager in cardiorespiratory arrest with multiple knife wounds, his mother badly beaten and bound hand and foot, and 43-year-old Carvalho suffering from self-inflicted stab injuries. As officers entered the property, a deliberate gas explosion rocked the building, injuring one responder and claiming Carvalho’s life in what authorities are treating as a calculated murder-suicide attempt.

Linda Hallett, a grandmother of seven, received the devastating news on Christmas Eve morning via a call from a family friend. “I was completely shocked, devastated,” she recounted, struggling to process the horror. “I believe Alfie died trying to protect his mother. He was such a lovely, gentle boy with a heart of gold.” Her words have resonated deeply, highlighting the heroic instinct of a child caught in an adult storm of violence. Mrs. Hallett’s anguish is compounded by years of limited contact with her grandson, a consequence of family upheavals that saw Alfie relocate to Portugal as a young child.

Born in Brighton and raised initially in Bognor Regis, Alfie’s early life was marked by his parents’ separation when he was around four years old. His mother soon began a relationship with a Portuguese man named Paulo, prompting the move to Tomar in 2016. The relocation severed much of the ties with Alfie’s British family, though his father, Mark Hallett—who tragically passed away some years ago—fought to maintain a bond. In a poignant memory, Mrs. Hallett recalled the last time she saw Alfie: a joyful Christmas visit to the UK in 2018, arranged through Portuguese courts. “Mark flew over and brought him back for two weeks,” she said. “Alfie was so happy, meeting his baby brother Rocco for the first time. Mark spoiled him rotten—it was wonderful.” That holiday, filled with laughter, singing, and festive decorations, remains her final cherished moment with the boy she describes as a “jolly little soul.”

In Portugal, Alfie thrived in his new environment, finding solace and camaraderie on the basketball court. A dedicated player for the Sub-14 team at Sport Club Operário de Cem Soldos (SCOCS) in Tomar, he was known for his enthusiasm and skill. Tragically, just days before his death—on Saturday, December 20—he shone in his final game against Chamusca Basket Clube, a performance so outstanding that it left an haunting impression. His club posted an emotional tribute on social media, accompanied by a photo of Alfie framed with a black ribbon: “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 outpouring from the basketball community has been overwhelming. Chamusca Basket Clube expressed profound condolences, while the regional Santarém Basketball Association stated: “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.” Messages from parents and fans flooded in, with one writing: “Rest in peace Alfie, the team will never forget you.” Coaches remembered him as a vibrant, happy youngster whose presence lit up the court.

Yet, beneath this portrait of innocence lies a backdrop of escalating danger. Neighbors in Casais described frequent arguments emanating from the home and Carvalho’s obsessive behavior—he often slept in his car outside the apartment, refusing to accept the end of the relationship. Despite their separation, the couple had been seen together recently, including shopping trips. Complaints of domestic violence were formally lodged in 2022 and 2023, with authorities aware of the risks. Luís Freire, president of the local parish council, confirmed: “There had already been several episodes of violence and, this time, things went very wrong.”

The most chilling revelation, however, concerns Carvalho’s past. At just 19 years old, he was convicted of aggravated homicide for a savage attack in a park, stabbing another man 35 times in a frenzy of violence. He served nearly 15 years in prison before being released early for good behavior about a decade ago. This history of extreme brutality—mirroring the ferocity of the recent attack—has stunned even seasoned investigators. “We’re so sorry, he was a monster,” Mrs. Hallett’s words echo the sentiment of many, fueling outrage over how a man with such a record was able to re-enter society and form relationships without sufficient safeguards.

Portugal’s Polícia Judiciária (PJ) has classified the case as domestic violence-related, with ongoing forensic examinations at the explosion site. Alfie’s mother, who heroically freed herself to alert neighbors, remains hospitalized, receiving treatment for physical injuries and psychological trauma. The British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is providing consular assistance.

This heartbreaking incident has ignited broader conversations about domestic abuse prevention, particularly in expatriate families and cases involving individuals with violent histories. Advocates call for stricter monitoring of released offenders, enhanced cross-border protections, and more resources for victims signaling danger. In Portugal, where domestic violence reports have been rising, the case underscores failures in intervention despite prior complaints.

As vigils are planned in Tomar and UK communities like Brighton and Bognor Regis, tributes continue to honor Alfie’s memory. His uncle, Kieron Reeves, described him as “such a good happy young man” full of love and patience. Memorial efforts, including funds for overseas bereavement support, are gaining momentum.

Alfie Hallett’s story—from a singing, dancing child in England to a talented athlete in Portugal—ends in unspeakable tragedy, but his grandmother’s tribute ensures his bravery endures. “He died trying to protect his mum,” she affirms, a legacy of courage amid darkness. In the quiet village of Casais and beyond, the echoes of loss remind us of the urgent need to confront monsters before they strike again.