Woman Arrested for Allegedly Sending Poisoned Easter Eggs to Ex-Boyfriend’s New Family
A 35-year-old woman, Jordélia Pereira Barbosa, has been arrested in Brazil on suspicion of poisoning Easter eggs and sending them to the new family of her ex-boyfriend in a "revenge" plot, according to reports from The Daily Mail and local outlets Imperatriz Online and FDamiao Noticias.
The alleged plot involved Barbosa buying chocolates while in a disguise and spiking them before they were delivered via motorbike courier to her ex’s new partner, Mirian Lira, who then shared the eggs with her children on Wednesday, April 16. The eggs were reportedly sent targeting Lira, 32, and were accompanied by a note with the message, "With love, to Mirian Lira. Happy Easter," according to The Daily Mail.
Tragically, Lira’s seven-year-old son, Luis Silva, fell ill "immediately" after consuming the chocolate and died in Imperatriz City Hospital on Thursday, April 17. A cause of death has not yet been confirmed. Lira and her 13-year-old daughter, Evelyn Fernanda, are in critical condition in the hospital, per reports from The Standard.
According to Imperatriz Online, CCTV footage obtained by the outlet allegedly shows Barbosa in a black wig buying the Easter eggs from a supermarket counter. The outlet also reported that Barbosa had tried to offer Lira candies in a chocolate-tasting session for employees at the supermarket where she worked, but the plan failed.
Barbosa was arrested by the Maranhão Civil Police on a bus headed to her hometown of Santa Inês on Thursday, April 17. Her arrest came after receipts were found by police indicating her involvement. They also spoke to Barbosa’s ex, who suggested she might be involved, per The Daily Mail.
Photos obtained by Imperatriz Online show Barbosa with blonde hair as she is being arrested. They also show instruments, including a funnel and spoons, that were allegedly used in the suspected poisoning of the chocolate. Barbosa admitted to buying the chocolate but not poisoning the eggs to police, according to reports.
An investigation by the Maranhão Civil Police found receipts for the chocolate eggs, two wigs, scissors, cards, a saw knife, and suspected drugs in Barbosa’s possession. An autopsy on Luis is expected to confirm his cause of death as poisoning, while tests are also being conducted on the leftover chocolate.
Security official MaurÃcio Martins said in a statement, per Imperatriz Online, "The evidence suggests, based on several points investigated, that the crime was motivated by revenge and 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." The police will continue working to strengthen the evidence and present Barbosa to the Judiciary to answer for this "barbaric crime".
As previously reported by PEOPLE, the incident has sparked widespread outrage and concern. PEOPLE has reached out to the Maranhão Civil Police for further comment.
The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of revenge and jealousy. The investigation is ongoing, and Barbosa’s arrest has brought some sense of relief to the community. However, the impact of this alleged crime will be felt for a long time to come.
In a statement, the Maranhão Civil Police said that they would continue to investigate the incident and ensure that justice is served. The police also urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist with the investigation.
The case has raised questions about the safety of food and the ease with which poison can be obtained. The incident has also highlighted the importance of seeking help and support for those struggling with jealousy and revenge.
As the investigation continues, PEOPLE will provide updates on this developing story.
