The incident happened on April 16, when Barbosa reportedly sent the poisoned chocolate eggs to the home of Mirian Lira, the new partner of her former boyfriend. Barbosa allegedly spiked the chocolates personally before sending them by bicycle courier to Lira’s house. Shortly after Lira gave the eggs to her children, her son, Luis Silva, became severely ill.
Silva was rushed to a hospital in Imperatriz, Maranhão, where he was intubated. He would eventually pass away on April 17. Lira and her 13-year-old daughter, Evelyn Fernanda, also began showing signs of poisoning. Both were hospitalized in critical condition. Lira’s symptoms included purple hands and difficulty breathing, according to Brazilian broadcaster G1, reports NDTV.
The Easter eggs were sent along with a message that read, "With love, to Mirian Lira. Happy Easter," which is leading investigators to believe Barbosa acted out of jealousy. Authorities suggest that Barbosa had resentment toward her ex-boyfriend and his new partner.
She was arrested last Thursday while traveling to her hometown of Santa Ines. Police found receipts linking her to the poisoning, and during her arrest, authorities discovered items including wigs, cards, scissors, a saw knife, and chemicals in her possession. Despite acknowledging purchasing the chocolate eggs, Barbosa denied poisoning them.
Her ex-boyfriend hinted that Barbosa might have been behind the poisoning. A Brazilian security officer, Maurício Martins, stated that the act was driven by "revenge and jealousy."
This was not the first time Barbosa allegedly attempted to harm Lira. Previously, she had tried to poison her ex’s new partner during a chocolate tasting event, but she was turned away when she failed to provide any details about the company she claimed to represent.
Ultimately, Barbosa’s alleged revenge plot resulted in a horrific tragedy that cost the life of an innocent child.
