A Brazilian woman has been arrested after allegedly sending poisoned Easter eggs intended for her ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend, resulting in the deaths of two innocent children who consumed the tainted chocolates.
Key Takeaways
- Jordélia Pereira Barbosa, 35, allegedly sent poisoned Easter eggs to her ex-boyfriend’s new partner in a revenge plot, but the woman’s two children consumed the chocolates and died.
- Siblings Evelyn Silva, 13, and Luis Silva, 7, died after eating the poisoned chocolates, while their mother Mirian Lira remains hospitalized in stable condition.
- The suspect was captured on security cameras buying the chocolates while wearing a disguise, and receipts linking her to the purchase were found by police.
- Investigators discovered evidence including wigs, scissors, and unknown substances in Barbosa’s possession when she was arrested while fleeing on a bus to her hometown.
- Forensic analysis is being conducted to determine the exact poison used, as authorities build their case against Barbosa, who admits purchasing the eggs but denies poisoning them.
A Deadly Delivery Disguised as a Gift
The Easter eggs arrived at Mirian Lira’s home in Imperatriz, Brazil, with a seemingly innocent note reading, “With love, to Mirian Lira. Happy Easter!!” What should have been a sweet holiday treat turned deadly when Lira and her two children, 13-year-old Evelyn and 7-year-old Luis, consumed the chocolates. Shortly after eating the eggs, Luis complained of weakness before he began fainting and became unresponsive. He was rushed to the hospital but doctors could not save him.
His sister Evelyn suffered an even more prolonged ordeal, eventually succumbing to vascular shock linked to multiple organ failure. Their mother also ate the poisoned chocolates and remains hospitalized, though reports indicate her condition has stabilized.
Woman accused of killing boy, 7, with poisoned Easter eggs https://t.co/oPTN8MoZsq pic.twitter.com/otNwEXAmqG
— The Independent (@Independent) April 19, 2025
Revenge Plot Uncovered
Police quickly identified Jordélia Pereira Barbosa as the prime suspect in the case. The 35-year-old woman was reportedly motivated by jealousy over her ex-boyfriend’s new relationship with Mirian Lira. Security camera footage captured Barbosa purchasing the chocolates while wearing a disguise in an apparent attempt to conceal her identity. This wasn’t allegedly her first attempt to harm Lira—authorities say Barbosa had previously tried to poison her by giving her tainted candies during a chocolate-tasting session.
“The evidence suggests that the crime was motivated by revenge, by jealousy, given that the author’s ex-husband is the current partner or boyfriend of the victim, who was poisoned along with her two children,” said Maranhão’s Department of Security Secretary, Maurício Martins.
Barbosa was arrested while attempting to flee on a bus heading to her hometown. During the arrest, police found incriminating evidence including receipts for the Easter eggs, wigs, scissors, cards, a saw knife, and unidentified substances. Despite the mounting evidence against her, Barbosa has admitted to purchasing the Easter eggs but vehemently denies poisoning them.
Building the Case Against the Suspect
Authorities are now working to strengthen their case against Barbosa as forensic experts analyze the chocolate to determine the exact toxin used. The investigation has gathered substantial evidence linking her to the crime, including her purchase of the Easter eggs and her apparent disguise when buying them. The case is expected to be forwarded to the Criminal Court of Imperatriz for further proceedings as the investigation continues.
“We can say, with what we have gathered so far, that we have enough elements to point to the authorship of this person who was arrested,” stated Maranhão Civil Police chief Manoel Almeida.
This tragic case has echoes of a similar incident that occurred in Brazil in December, when a woman allegedly poisoned a Christmas cake, resulting in three deaths. The poisoned Easter egg case has shocked the community of Imperatriz and renewed concerns about the potential dangers of accepting food from unknown sources, even when they appear to be holiday gifts.
