Two innocent children in Brazil died after consuming Easter eggs allegedly poisoned by a woman seeking revenge against her ex-boyfriend’s new partner, leaving a community in shock and a mother hospitalized.
Key Takeaways
- Evelyn Silva, 13, and Luis Silva, 7, died after eating poisoned Easter eggs intended for their mother, Mirian Lira, who is the new partner of the suspect’s ex-boyfriend.
- Jordélia Pereira Barbosa, 35, was arrested and is accused of sending the poisoned chocolates as an act of revenge driven by jealousy.
- The suspect was captured on camera buying the chocolates while wearing a disguise and was arrested on a bus heading to her hometown.
- Police found evidence including wigs, scissors, cards, and unknown substances in the suspect’s possession, though she denies poisoning the chocolates.
- Mirian Lira also consumed the poisoned egg but survived and remains hospitalized in stable condition.
A Family Tragedy Unfolds
What began as a seemingly innocent Easter gesture turned deadly in Imperatriz, Brazil, when Evelyn Silva, 13, and her brother Luis Silva, 7, consumed chocolate Easter eggs that had allegedly been poisoned. The chocolates were delivered to their home with a note addressed to their mother, Mirian Lira, reading “With love, to Mirian Lira. Happy Easter!!” Shortly after consumption, Luis complained of feeling weak before fainting. His condition rapidly deteriorated, and despite being rushed to the hospital, the young boy died.
Evelyn, who also ate the chocolate, suffered a similar fate. Medical reports indicate she died from vascular shock linked to multiple organ failure. Their mother, who consumed a portion of the egg as well, remains hospitalized but in stable condition.
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 investigations quickly led to Jordélia Pereira Barbosa, 35, the ex-girlfriend of Mirian Lira’s current partner. Authorities believe Barbosa’s actions were motivated by intense jealousy and a desire for revenge. Security camera footage captured Barbosa purchasing the chocolates while wearing a disguise. When police arrested her on a bus heading to her hometown, they discovered receipts linking her to the purchase of the Easter eggs, along with wigs, scissors, cards, a saw knife, and unidentified substances.
“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.
This may not have been Barbosa’s first attempt to harm Lira. According to reports, she had previously tried to poison her rival by giving her tainted candies at a chocolate-tasting session. Despite the mounting evidence against her, Barbosa has admitted to purchasing the Easter eggs but denies poisoning them.
Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement officials continue to build their case against Barbosa. Maranhão Civil Police chief Manoel Almeida stated, “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.” Forensic analysis is being conducted on the chocolates to identify the type of poison used, which will strengthen the prosecution’s case.
The case is expected to be forwarded to the Criminal Court of Imperatriz for further proceedings. This tragedy bears a disturbing similarity to another poisoning incident in Brazil from December, when a woman poisoned a Christmas cake, resulting in three deaths. These cases highlight the devastating consequences when personal vendettas are carried out with such callous disregard for innocent lives. As the community of Imperatriz mourns the loss of two young children, authorities continue their work to ensure justice is served.
