Newly released surveillance footage reportedly captures the moment the Easter eggs linked to the tragic deaths of two children were purchased.
In Imperatriz, Brazil, police have detained Jordélia Pereira Barbosa in connection with the deaths of Luis, aged seven, and his 13-year-old sister Evelyn Silva. Both children died after consuming Easter eggs that were allegedly poisoned.
The children’s mother, 32-year-old Mirian Lira, is currently in critical condition at the hospital after also consuming the chocolates.
Tragically, Luis succumbed within hours, passing away the following day on April 17.
Five days later, on April 22, Evelyn died due to multiple organ failure after a prolonged fight for survival.
It is claimed that 35-year-old Barbosa delivered the Easter eggs to Mirian’s doorstep as part of a ‘revenge’ plan targeting her ex-boyfriend, who is now Lira’s partner.
The chocolates were found by Mirian with a note that reportedly stated: “With love, to Mirian Lira. Happy Easter.”
Authorities indicate that Barbosa was seen on CCTV purchasing the Easter eggs, disguised with a black wig and sunglasses to conceal her natural blonde hair.
The video allegedly shows Barbosa attempting to pay for the eggs over a span of two and a half minutes, without any visible emotion.
Brazilian police report that Barbosa then dispatched the eggs via courier to Mirian, who unknowingly shared them with her children.
Shortly after, Mirian reportedly received an anonymous call inquiring if she had received the package.
Barbosa took a long-distance coach to Santa Ines the next day, approximately 200 miles away.
Items in Barbosa’s possession included the chocolate receipt, two wigs, scissors, cards, a saw knife, and other unidentified substances.
When interrogated, Barbosa admitted purchasing the eggs before Easter but denied any involvement in poisoning them.
Police allege that Barbosa had previously attempted similar actions.
Reports from Imperatriz suggest Barbosa visited Lira’s workplace to distribute chocolate samples to employees but was turned away, subsequently offering them in the parking lot.
As reported by Brazilian news outlet G1, Maurício Martins, Maranhão’s Department of Security Secretary, stated: “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.”