Seven-Year-Old Boy Dies After Allegedly Eating Poisoned Easter Egg in Brazil; Mother and Sister Hospitalized

Luís Fernando Rocha Silva died and his mother and sister were hospitalized

A tragic poisoning incident in northern Brazil has claimed the life of a seven-year-old boy and left his mother and sister in critical condition after they reportedly consumed a tainted Easter egg. Authorities have arrested 35-year-old Jordélia Pereira Barbosa in the Médio Mearim region in connection with the case.

Barbosa, who is believed to be the ex-girlfriend of the current partner of one of the victims, allegedly sent the spiked chocolate to the family residing in Santa Inês, Maranhão. The poisoned Easter egg was delivered by a motorcycle courier on the night of Wednesday, April 10, accompanied by a message that read: “With love, to Mirian Lira. Happy Easter.”

Shortly after consuming the Easter treat, seven-year-old Luís Fernando Rocha Silva began to feel unwell and was rushed to a local hospital. Despite medical intervention, Luís passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning. His mother, 32-year-old Mirian Lira, and 13-year-old sister Evelyn Fernanda also began exhibiting severe symptoms and were hospitalized shortly thereafter.

Jordélia Pereira Barbosa has been arrested by police after the child's death

Mirian reportedly started experiencing breathing difficulties and discoloration in her hands while at the hospital with her son. She was quickly transferred to the intensive care unit. Evelyn was also admitted to the emergency unit with similar symptoms. Both remain in critical condition at the Municipal Hospital of Imperatriz.

In a chilling development, Mirian allegedly received an anonymous phone call on the same night the Easter egg was delivered. When she asked who was calling, the voice on the other end simply said, “You’ll find out who it is,” before hanging up. This detail was shared by Mirian’s sister, Naiza, who described the mysterious interaction to police.

Authorities have confirmed that samples of the Easter egg were sent to the Imperatriz Criminalistics Institute for toxicological analysis. The Maranhão Civil Police identified Barbosa as a suspect due to her prior relationship with Rafael Silva, Mirian's ex-husband and the father of her two children.

The family received an Easter egg with a note: "With love, to Mirian Lira. Happy Easter."

This shocking case is not the first time Brazil has seen deadly festive treats. In December, three women died after eating a homemade Christmas fruitcake allegedly poisoned with arsenic. The victims—Maida Bernice Flores da Silva, 58, Neuza Denize Silva dos Anjos, 65, and Tatiana Silvia dos Santos, 43—reportedly consumed the cake, which was made with flour tainted by a family member.

The suspect in that case, Deise Moura dos Anjos, 42, was arrested in January on suspicion of triple murder and triple attempted murder. She later died in her prison cell in February, reportedly by suicide. A note found in her cell stated she felt depressed and claimed innocence.

As investigations continue in the latest Easter poisoning, police are working to determine the exact substance used and whether additional individuals were involved.