Prime Video Docuseries Explores Montgomery Village Abuse Case
A recent docuseries on Amazon Prime Video, “Abandoned: The Woman in the Decaying House,” sheds light on a disturbing case from Montgomery Village. The series, based on an award-winning podcast by Brazilian journalist Chico Felitti, tells the story of Margarida and René Bonetti, who were accused of enslaving their family maid, Hilda Rosa dos Santos.
The tale begins in São Paulo’s Higienópolis neighborhood, where Felitti’s investigation into a neglected estate unearthed dark secrets surrounding the Bonetti family. In the United States, Hilda dos Santos endured years of forced labor, living in harsh conditions, denied medical care, and isolated from the world.
Despite the abuse, it wasn’t until concerned neighbors and investigative reporters stepped in that authorities took action. Rene Bonetti was convicted in 2000 for violating immigration laws and sentenced to prison. The docuseries features interviews with neighbors, archival footage, and an on-screen interview with Hilda Rosa dos Santos, offering a chilling look into the case.
“Abandoned: The Woman in the Decaying House” uncovers new details of the horrific events and explores the impact of the abuse on all involved. Through a mix of investigative journalism and firsthand accounts, the docuseries sheds light on a troubling chapter in Montgomery Village’s history.
