A Brazilian woman, aged 35, is suspected of planning a deadly poisoning scheme against her ex-boyfriend’s new family. The scheme, presented as a festive gift, resulted in the death of one child and hospitalization of two others, which caused mass indignation and criminal investigation.
Deadly Easter Delivery
Jordelia Pereira Barbosa is said to have sent poisoned chocolate Easter eggs to her former boyfriend’s residence, where his new girlfriend, Mirian Lira, and her children resided. The New York Post and local media outlets reported that Barbosa purchased the chocolates at a supermarket, poisoned them with a toxic substance, and had them delivered through a bicycle courier.
Not knowing the risk, Lira served the eggs to her children on April 16. Her 7-year-old son Luis Silva fell “severely ill” after consuming the chocolate and was taken to a hospital in Imperatriz, Maranhao state. Though intubated and given emergency care, the boy died the following day, on April 17.
Mother and Daughter Also Hospitalised
The poisoning did not end with Luis. His 13-year-old sister, Evelyn Fernanda, and his mother, Mirian Lira, also ate the Easter eggs and were hospitalized in critical condition. Local media FDamiaoNoticias and Imperatriz reported they had severe symptoms.
G1, a Brazilian TV network, reported Lira exhibited obvious signs of poisoning shortly after her son was intubated. She had trouble breathing and had discolored, purple hands, indicating systemic toxicity.
Gift Tag Reveals Sinister Intentions
Investigators revealed that the Easter egg delivery included a chilling message: “With love, to Miriam Lira. Happy Easter.” Authorities believe jealousy motivated Barbosa, driving her to carry out the act under the guise of a holiday gesture.
Brazilian security officer Maurício Martins stated, “The poisoning was motivated by revenge and jealousy.” Officials now believe Barbosa sought to harm her ex-boyfriend by targeting his new partner’s family.
Arrest of Barbosa and Find of Suspicious Goods
Maranhao Civil Police arrested Barbosa last Thursday, when she took a bus home to Santa Ines. Receipts connecting her to the buying of the chocolates, along with suspicious goods including wigs, cards, scissors, a saw knife, and unknown chemicals, were reportedly discovered by police on her.
Even though Barbosa confessed to purchasing the chocolates, she refused to tamper with them. Still, the evidence gathered leans toward premeditated action. The authorities assert the physical objects and travel itineraries back the conclusion of a well-thought-out action.
Ex-Boyfriend Confirms Suspicion
Barbosa’s ex-boyfriend, in interviews with investigators, also hinted that she might have planned the revenge plot. His words were said to corroborate that tensions and jealousy had been building for a while, adding more credibility to the investigators’ hypothesis.
A Prior Failed Attempt to Poison
This was not the first time Barbosa supposedly attempted to injure Lira. In local reports, she had previously attempted to poison her ex’s girlfriend at a chocolate tasting session organized for supermarket staff—where Lira worked.
Barbosa had apparently disguised herself as a representative with free samples to give to store workers. When questioned, though, she was unable to supply any legitimate information regarding the supposed company and was then turned away.
This first attempt supposedly motivated Barbosa to create a different tactic: poisoning Easter chocolates and sending them directly to Lira’s residence.
Investigations Continue Amid Public Outrage
As Brazilian officials continue to investigate the case, they are attempting to reconstruct Barbosa’s sequence of events, activities, and potential co-conspirators. The gruesome end has captured the country’s attention, particularly since Easter—the holiday that represents innocence and rebirth—was purportedly employed as a disguise for so well-planned and senseless an act.
The tragic death of young Luis Silva has sent the local community into mourning, and sympathy has continued to flow for Lira and her daughter, who are still in critical condition. Authorities have vowed to seek justice and hold Barbosa fully accountable if the charges are substantiated.
A Wake-Up Call About Domestic Revenge Violence
This appalling case is a dark reminder of how far jealousy and vengeance can propel a person. Taking something so harmless and innocent as Easter eggs and using them to carry out a killing has shocked families right around Brazil.
As investigations continue, police are continuing to analyze the substances involved in the poisoning and any additional connections Barbosa may have to previous threats or violent behavior. Meanwhile, Luis Silva’s tragedy is a painful reminder of how deeply personal vendettas can spiral into unimaginable consequences.
