The stepfather of a 2-year-old boy who had nearly 50 sewing needles pushed into his body has been arrested by Brazilian police in what authorities say might be a “black magic” ritual.

The O Globo reports that the case is being treated as attempted homicide.

Most of the needles were removed by surgeons, a few as long as 2 inches. But due to the fact that some are stuck in his lungs, Dr. Luiz Cesar Soltoski says they’ll have to wait until the boy’s breathing improves.

The boy was brought to a hospital in the small northeastern city of Ibotirama late last week by his mother, saying he was complaining of pain and vomiting. X-rays later revealed some of the needles.

Speaking with police, the mother claimed she didn’t know how they got inside her son. She added that she found materials associated with black magic in her home.

The investigation is currently ongoing.