A Brazilian woman’s alleged plot to poison her ex-husband’s new girlfriend resulted in the tragic deaths of two innocent children who ate contaminated Easter eggs delivered to their home.
Quick Takes
- Evelyn Silva, 13, and her brother Luis, 7, died after consuming poisoned Easter chocolate in Imperatriz, Brazil.
- The Easter eggs were allegedly sent by Jordélia Pereira Barbosa, 35, seeking revenge on her ex-boyfriend’s new partner, Mirian Lira.
- Mirian also consumed the poisoned chocolate and remains hospitalized but in stable condition.
- Police arrested Barbosa, who denies poisoning the chocolates despite evidence including security footage of her buying the eggs while disguised.
- Forensic analysis is being conducted on the chocolate to confirm what poison was used in this deadly revenge plot.
Children Fall Victim to Deadly Easter “Gift”
What began as a seemingly innocent Easter gift turned deadly for two Brazilian children. Evelyn Silva, 13, and her brother Luis, 7, became severely ill after consuming chocolate Easter eggs that had been delivered to their home with a note reading “With love, to Mirian Lira. Happy Easter!!” The young boy quickly complained of feeling weak before beginning to faint. His sister would later experience vascular shock linked to multiple organ failure. Both children were rushed to the hospital, but tragically could not be saved, becoming innocent victims in what police describe as an elaborate revenge plot.
The mother of the children, Mirian Lira, 32, also consumed the Easter egg but survived the poisoning. She remains hospitalized in stable condition. Investigators quickly began piecing together evidence that would lead them to 35-year-old Jordélia Pereira Barbosa, the ex-partner of Lira’s current boyfriend. According to authorities, Barbosa carefully planned the deadly gift, even going so far as to wear a disguise when purchasing the chocolate eggs that would later be contaminated.
Woman accused of killing boy, 7, with poisoned Easter eggs https://t.co/oPTN8MoZsq pic.twitter.com/otNwEXAmqG
— The Independent (@Independent) April 19, 2025
Jealousy and Revenge as Motives
Law enforcement quickly identified jealousy as the driving force behind this tragic crime. Barbosa allegedly targeted her ex-husband’s new girlfriend, Mirian Lira, but instead delivered a fatal blow to Lira’s innocent children. The investigation revealed this wasn’t Barbosa’s first attempt to harm Lira – she had previously attempted to poison her by giving her tainted candies at a chocolate-tasting session. This established pattern of behavior strengthened the case against Barbosa as authorities continue building their prosecution.
“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.
Police report that the suspect went to significant lengths to cover her tracks, including wearing wigs while purchasing the Easter eggs. Despite her attempts at deception, security camera footage captured Barbosa buying the chocolates while in disguise, providing crucial evidence for investigators.
Arrest and Investigation
Authorities arrested Barbosa on a bus heading to her hometown after discovering receipts linking her to the purchase of the Easter eggs. During her arrest, police found wigs, scissors, cards, a saw knife, and unknown substances in her possession. Despite the mounting evidence, Barbosa has admitted only to procuring the chocolates but firmly denies contaminating them with poison. Police are now conducting thorough forensic analysis to strengthen their case and determine exactly what toxic substance was used.
“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 case bears unfortunate similarities to another poisoning incident in Brazil just months earlier. In December, a woman poisoned a Christmas cake, resulting in three deaths. The current case has been forwarded to the Criminal Court of Imperatriz for further proceedings as authorities work to ensure justice for Evelyn and Luis Silva.
