In a devastating incident, a 35-year-old Brazilian woman, Jordélia Pereira Barbosa, was arrested after allegedly sending poisoned Easter eggs to her ex-boyfriend’s new family. The act resulted in the death of a 7-year-old boy and left two others in critical condition.
Authorities believe Barbosa’s actions were driven by jealousy and revenge. Disguised with a black wig and sunglasses, the Brazilian woman reportedly purchased the chocolates, tampered with them, and had them delivered to her ex-partner’s new girlfriend, Mirian Lira, accompanied by a note reading, “With love, to Mirian Lira. Happy Easter.”
After receiving the Easter eggs on April 16, Lira shared them with her children. Her 7-year-old son, Luis Fernando Rocha Silva, became violently ill shortly after consuming the chocolate and tragically died at Imperatriz City Hospital the following day. Lira and her 13-year-old daughter, Evelyn Fernanda, remain hospitalized in critical condition.
Investigations revealed that the Brazilian woman had previously attempted to poison Lira through a chocolate-tasting event at Lira’s workplace, which was unsuccessful. Following the fatal incident, police found receipts, wigs, and tools potentially used in the poisoning at Barbosa’s residence. CCTV footage also captured her purchasing the chocolates while in disguise.
Barbosa was apprehended on a bus heading to her hometown of Santa Inês. While the Brazilian woman admitted to buying the chocolates, she denies poisoning them. Authorities are awaiting autopsy and toxicology results to confirm the cause of death and the presence of toxins in the chocolates. The investigation continues as officials work to gather sufficient evidence for prosecution.
