In the quiet rural village of Casais, just north of Tomar in central Portugal, a Christmas that should have been filled with warmth and family turned into an unimaginable nightmare on December 23, 2025. Thirteen-year-old British boy Alfie Hallett was brutally stabbed to death in his family home, allegedly by his mother’s obsessive ex-boyfriend, Goncalo Carvalho – a man with a violent past who had previously served time for murder. In his final moments, Alfie heroically tried to shield his mother from the attack, a selfless act that his devastated grandmother says defines the “lovely, gentle boy with a heart of gold” he always was.

As emergency services rushed to the scene, a gas explosion rocked the apartment – believed to have been deliberately caused by Carvalho, who died from what authorities suspect were self-inflicted knife wounds. Alfie’s mother, badly beaten, bound with plastic ties, and left traumatized, was rescued by neighbors and rushed to hospital. One police officer was injured in the blast. What unfolded that fateful afternoon has left a family shattered, a community in shock, and a nation mourning the loss of a young life cut tragically short just days before Christmas.

A Boy Full of Life and Kindness

Alfie Hallett was born in Brighton and raised in Bognor Regis, West Sussex, until he was four years old. His parents, Mark Hallett and his mother (whose name has not been publicly released to protect her privacy), divorced when he was young. In 2016, his mother met a Portuguese man and relocated with little Alfie to Tomar, a picturesque city known for its historic charm. There, Alfie grew into a happy, active teenager – a keen basketball player for the local club Sport Club Operario Cem Soldos (SCOCS) in the under-14 team.

Friends and coaches remember him as a cherished member of the community. In a poignant tribute, his basketball coach Ana Bengala said the sports world was “deeply shaken by the tragic death of a 13-year-old athlete… The young athlete was seen as a cherished member of the sports family.” The club itself posted: “Our athlete Alfie passed away today at the age of 13… We want to tell you how much we love you and that you will always be in our hearts. Rest in peace.”

Back in the UK, Alfie’s paternal grandmother, Linda Hallett, treasures memories of her grandson as a “lovely, gentle boy.” She last saw him in December 2018, when Alfie visited his father Mark for Christmas – a trip arranged through Portuguese courts after Mark fought for contact rights. Linda recalls how Mark “spoiled his son rotten,” taking him to see Santa and a Christmas market. Alfie, then just six, was thrilled with inflatable decorations he took back to Portugal, but he was also homesick, missing his British roots. “He was happy but wanted to come home,” Linda said, her voice breaking with emotion.

Tragically, Alfie’s father Mark died earlier in 2025 from sepsis, following heart problems. Linda finds a sliver of solace in this: “I’m glad Mark wasn’t here to see this – it would have been unbearable heartache for him.” She believes father and son are now reunited. “He had a heart of gold,” Linda told reporters from her home in Bognor Regis. “He died trying to protect his mother.”

A Relationship Marred by Violence

The alleged perpetrator, Goncalo Carvalho, was the mother’s ex-boyfriend – a man described by neighbors as “not a good guy.” Shockingly, Carvalho had a prior conviction for aggravated homicide, having stabbed another man 35 times in a park years earlier. He served 14 years in prison but was released early for good behavior about a decade ago.

Neighbors and local officials revealed a pattern of abuse. Luis Freire, leader of the local parish council, said: “There had been a number of violent episodes between the couple and I think the GNR police force was aware of that. This time round the outcome was a very bad one.” Reports of domestic violence dated back to 2022 and 2023, with both Alfie and his mother bravely filing complaints. Authorities had flagged the family for protection.

Carvalho was reportedly obsessively controlling, often sleeping in his car outside the home even after the relationship ended. Neighbor Jaime Lopes described hearing frequent arguments and sensing trouble brewing. On the day of the attack, Carvalho allegedly assaulted Alfie’s mother severely – beating her face until she had a black eye, bruising, and possibly broken teeth. He bound her hands and feet with plastic ties. When Alfie intervened to protect her, Carvalho turned on the boy, inflicting multiple fatal stab wounds.

The Horrific Scene and Aftermath

Police were alerted to a domestic violence situation and arrived at the apartment in Casais. Inside, they encountered a strong smell of gas. Moments later, an explosion erupted, injuring one GNR officer. Alfie was found with multiple stab wounds and pronounced dead at the scene despite signs of life initially. Carvalho, also with multiple knife injuries believed to be self-inflicted, died shortly after.

Alfie’s mother, bloodied and terrified, was freed by neighbors who heard her cries. Jaime Lopes recounted: “She was very scared, very badly beaten on her face. It seemed to me that even her teeth were broken. She had a lot of blood on her hands and plastic ties around them and on her ankles.”

Portugal’s Polícia Judiciária issued a statement confirming they are investigating the circumstances of the two deaths: the stabbing of the 13-year-old boy and his mother’s former partner. The mother was taken to the nearest hospital for treatment.

A Grandmother’s Devastating Grief

Linda Hallett learned of the tragedy on Christmas Eve morning, via a call from her daughter relayed through a friend. Speaking just hours later, she was “completely shocked, devastated,” struggling to process the loss. “I got a call at 9:30am this morning… I’m still trying to come to terms with it.”

She praised Alfie’s bravery and kindness, painting a picture of a boy who loved singing, dancing, and the simple joys of Christmas. Contact with Alfie faded in recent years after the family moved abroad, but the memories remain vivid. Linda’s words capture the raw pain of a grandmother robbed of watching her grandson grow up: a teenager full of potential, stolen in an act of senseless violence.

A Community Mourns and Questions Arise

The tight-knit community around Tomar is reeling. Tributes have poured in from Alfie’s basketball teammates and coaches, highlighting his infectious enthusiasm on the court. Locals speak of a peaceful village now overshadowed by tragedy.

Broader questions emerge about domestic violence support systems. Despite flagged reports and Carvalho’s criminal history, the abuse escalated fatally. Advocates may renew calls for stronger protections, especially in cross-border families.

The UK Foreign Office confirmed it is “in contact with local authorities following an incident in Portugal.” As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting Alfie’s surviving mother through her physical and emotional recovery.

A Hero’s Legacy in a Season of Sorrow

Alfie Hallett’s story is one of profound heartbreak – a young boy whose final act was to defend the person he loved most. In a world that can feel increasingly dark, his courage shines as a beacon of selflessness. His grandmother’s tribute sums it up perfectly: a gentle soul with a heart of gold, gone far too soon.

As Christmas lights flicker across Portugal and the UK, families hug their loved ones a little tighter, reminded of life’s fragility. Alfie’s memory lives on in those who knew him – a talented athlete, a loving son, a brave protector. Rest in peace, Alfie. You will never be forgotten.