A woman from Brazil was arrested last week after allegedly sending poisoned Easter eggs to her ex-boyfriend's family. A 7-year-old who ingested the Easter treats quickly became ill and died shortly after. Now, the death toll has risen to two.
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Authorities accuse Jordélia Pereira Barbosa, 35, of sending poisoned Easter eggs to Mirian Lira's home via a courier. The chocolates reportedly arrived with a message attached, which read, "With love to Mirian Lira, Happy Easter."
Lira ate the chocolate with her 7-year-old son, Luis Silva, and her 13-year-old daughter, Evelyn Fernanda. The household allegedly received an anonymous phone call confirming the chocolates had arrived. Luis died shortly after eating the Easter eggs, while Lira and Fernanda became so sick they had to be intubated in intensive care. Yesterday,
Imperatriz Online confirmed that doctors discharged Lira from the ICU, and she remains under the supervision of Imperatriz Municipal Hospital. Today, that same outlet has reported that Evelyn has died.Authorities Await Toxicology Results After The Alleged Easter Egg Poisoning
A translated report by Imperatriz Online says that Fernanda died as a result of the poisoning. Investigators are performing toxicology tests on samples from the mother and her children, and the results are expected later this week.
Barbosa allegedly sent the poisoned chocolate to the home after a failed attempt at Lira's workplace. She reportedly showed up at the supermarket where Lira works, offering chocolate tastings. However, the staff asked Barbosa to leave when she could not provide any identification for the company she supposedly worked for.
Barbosa did not completely vacate the premises and stood in the parking lot instead. She reportedly tried to offer chocolate to staff members outside, but Lira was not present. It's unclear if any of her co-workers fell ill or ingested anything. According to the Daily Mail, Luis' aunt, Naiza Santos, said Luis told his mother that he felt weak after eating the Easter eggs, but she did not believe him at first. When Lira answered the anonymous phone call, she reportedly confirmed she received the treats and asked, "Who is it?." The woman on the other end of the line allegedly said, "You'll find out who it is," before hanging up.
