Two innocent children were poisoned to death after a “loving” Easter egg gift concealed a jilted ex-girlfriend’s diabolical revenge plot against her former partner’s new family.
At a Glance
- Two children (13 and 7) died after consuming poisoned Easter eggs allegedly sent by their mother’s boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend in Brazil
- The suspect, Jordélia Pereira Barbosa, was caught on camera buying chocolates in disguise and left a deceptive “Happy Easter” note
- Evidence including wigs, scissors, and receipts were found with the suspect who was fleeing on a bus
- The mother survived but remains hospitalized after also consuming the tainted chocolates
- Police believe the crime was motivated by jealousy and revenge against the ex-boyfriend’s new relationship
When Easter Candy Becomes a Murder Weapon
In a horrifying example of how far someone can go when consumed by jealousy, a 35-year-old Brazilian woman has been accused of using a holiday celebration to exact deadly revenge. Jordélia Pereira Barbosa allegedly sent poisoned Easter eggs to her ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend, Mirian Lira, resulting in the tragic deaths of Lira’s two young children. This wasn’t some impulsive act of rage, folks. According to authorities, this was a calculated plot involving disguises, anonymous deliveries, and follow-up calls to ensure the deadly “gift” had been received.
The children, 13-year-old Evelyn Silva and 7-year-old Luis Silva, had no part in any relationship drama between adults. Yet they paid the ultimate price for simply enjoying what should have been innocent Easter chocolates. Little Luis initially complained of feeling weak – a warning sign tragically dismissed until he began fainting. Both children were rushed to the hospital where they later died – Evelyn from vascular shock linked to multiple organ failure. Their mother, who also consumed the poisoned sweets, remains hospitalized but in stable condition.
Premeditated Murder Hidden Behind a Holiday Gesture
What kind of twisted mind uses a children’s holiday tradition as cover for murder? The chocolates arrived with a sickeningly deceptive note reading “With love, to Mirian Lira. Happy Easter!!” After the delivery, an unknown woman – believed to be Barbosa – called Lira to confirm she had received the package. The level of planning is chilling. Security footage captured Barbosa purchasing the chocolates while wearing a disguise, apparently trying to conceal her identity while setting her murderous plan in motion.
“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 apparently wasn’t Barbosa’s first attempt at poisoning her romantic rival either. According to reports, she had previously tried to poison Lira by giving her tainted candies at a chocolate-tasting session. When that failed, she escalated to this Easter plot that tragically succeeded in the worst possible way – taking the lives of innocent children who had nothing to do with adult relationship conflicts.
Justice for the Innocent Victims
Police caught up with Barbosa as she was fleeing on a bus headed to her hometown. When authorities arrested her, they found a veritable murder kit: wigs, scissors, cards, a saw knife, and mysterious unidentified substances. Despite the mountain of evidence, including purchase receipts for the Easter eggs, Barbosa maintains her innocence, admitting only to buying the chocolates but denying she poisoned them. The audacity is breathtaking.
“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,” said Maranhão Civil Police chief Manoel Almeida.
Forensic tests are still pending to determine exactly what poison was used, but the case is headed to the Criminal Court of Imperatriz. Horrifyingly, this isn’t even the first such case in Brazil in recent months. In December, another woman allegedly poisoned a Christmas cake, resulting in three deaths. What’s happening to society when holidays become opportunities for murder? The targeting of children – who should be protected at all costs – represents a particularly disturbing low in human behavior. Let’s hope the Brazilian justice system delivers a punishment that matches the depravity of this crime.
