A second child has tragically passed away after a woman allegedly sent poisoned Easter eggs to a family as part of a twisted plan to exact revenge on her ex-boyfriend. The heartbreaking incident unfolded in Brazil and has since left the community in shock and mourning.
According to reports, a woman named Mirian Lira received what appeared to be a thoughtful Easter gift—chocolate eggs wrapped with a note that read: “With love, to Mirian Lira. Happy Easter.” Trusting the gesture, Mirian shared the chocolates with her two children. However, what was meant to be a sweet holiday treat quickly turned into a horrifying ordeal.
Soon after consuming the Easter eggs, her 7-year-old son, Luis, became violently ill. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and he was soon found unresponsive. His father, Rafael Silva, attempted CPR at home in a desperate effort to revive him. Luis was rushed to the hospital, but despite medical intervention, he went into cardiac arrest and tragically passed away on Thursday, April 17.
Meanwhile, Mirian and her 13-year-old daughter, Evelyn Silva, were already at the hospital when they began to exhibit symptoms of what doctors later suspected to be poisoning. Both showed alarming signs, including difficulty breathing and discoloration in their hands, which had turned purple—an indicator often linked with oxygen deprivation or circulatory failure.
Sadly, the nightmare didn’t end there. On Monday, April 21, Evelyn also passed away. According to a report by the British news outlet Metro, Evelyn died as a result of vascular shock brought on by multiple organ failure. Her passing came just four days after her younger brother’s death, deepening the grief of an already shattered family.
In a statement released by Imperatriz Municipal Hospital, the medical staff confirmed the dire condition of the victims. “Unfortunately, the clinical condition showed serious and rapid deterioration without responding to treatment,” the statement read. The rapid and irreversible decline in both children left no time for full diagnosis or recovery.
Authorities have since made an arrest in connection to the suspected poisoning. A woman identified as Jordélia Pereira Barbosa was taken into custody. Barbosa is the former girlfriend of Rafael Silva, the father of both Luis and Evelyn. According to investigators, she was apprehended as she got off a bus traveling from the city of Imperatriz to her hometown of Santa Ines. Her arrest came shortly after law enforcement reviewed surveillance footage from a local store showing her purchasing Easter eggs while wearing a wig.
Police executed a search warrant and confiscated several items from Barbosa, including two wigs, additional chocolate, various medications, and bus tickets. One of the tickets was purchased on April 14, just two days before the poisoned Easter eggs were delivered to the Lira family residence. This timeline has further strengthened suspicions surrounding Barbosa’s involvement.
During questioning, Barbosa reportedly admitted to purchasing the chocolate eggs prior to Easter but denied adding any poisonous substances to them. However, the circumstantial evidence continues to mount against her. In an official statement, police indicated that jealousy and a desire for revenge may have driven the suspect to commit such a heinous act.
“The initial investigations point that jealousy and revenge may have been the motivation for the woman to poison chocolate and send it to the family, given that the investigated is the ex-girlfriend of the current partner of one of the victims,” the police statement explained.
Investigators with the Maranhão Civil Police further elaborated on how they identified Barbosa as the main suspect. “The Maranhão Civil Police arrived to the investigated after analyzing images from security cameras of Imperatriz’s commercial establishment, where the suspect appears, who was wearing a wig, buying chocolate,” the report continued.
The arrest was also supported by multiple witness accounts and family testimonies, all pointing to Barbosa as the person behind the poisoned Easter gifts. At this time, she remains in custody as authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The case has sparked widespread attention, both in Brazil and abroad, with many expressing outrage over the senseless loss of two young lives. The tragic story serves as a chilling reminder of how quickly lives can be destroyed by malicious intent disguised as generosity.
As of the latest updates, Mirian Lira remains hospitalized. Thankfully, her condition is reported to be stable. However, she now faces the unimaginable grief of having lost both of her children under horrific circumstances—children who had merely shared a holiday treat with their mother, unaware of the danger lurking within.
Communities across Brazil are mourning the deaths of Luis and Evelyn, described by neighbors as joyful and loving children with bright futures ahead of them. Candlelight vigils have been held in their honor, and an outpouring of support has been shared online as the public comes to grips with the unthinkable act that has forever changed one family.
While the investigation is still underway, police have stated that all available forensic evidence will be analyzed, and a full toxicology report will be conducted to confirm the substances involved. Prosecutors are expected to pursue formal charges in the coming days, with calls for the harshest penalties under Brazilian law.
For now, the Lira and Silva families are left to grieve and seek justice, holding onto memories of their beloved Luis and Evelyn as the legal process unfolds. The story has touched hearts around the world and serves as a somber warning about the depths of human vengeance and the importance of safety—even in the most innocent moments.
