In a tragic incident that has shocked Brazil, a 7-year-old boy died after consuming a poisoned Easter dessert that was allegedly sent by his mother’s ex-boyfriend’s former partner. The boy, identified as Luis Fernando, succumbed to the effects of the poison shortly after eating the treat, which was delivered to his home in Imperatriz, Maranhão, just before the Easter holiday.
The dessert, designed to resemble colorful Easter eggs, was accompanied by a handwritten note that read, “With love to Miran Lera, happy Easter.” Miran, the recipient of the package and Luis’s mother, shared the dessert with her two children, including Luis and his 13-year-old sister, Evelyn. Shortly after consuming it, Luis began convulsing and was rushed to the hospital, where he tragically passed away by the following morning. Miran and Evelyn also displayed severe symptoms and were hospitalized, with Miran reportedly now out of intensive care but Evelyn remaining intubated.
Authorities have described the incident as a calculated act of revenge driven by jealousy. The woman accused of sending the poisoned package, 35-year-old Horadila Pereira Barbosa, is believed to have acted out of spite towards Miran, who is now in a relationship with Barbosa’s former partner. Surveillance footage from a supermarket captured Barbosa purchasing the dessert, her face partially obscured by oversized glasses, and police later tracked her movements leading up to the delivery of the treat.
Investigators were alerted to Barbosa after Miran’s partner mentioned her as a possible suspect. Following this lead, police conducted a background check and discovered that Barbosa was staying in a hotel in Imperatriz at the time of the incident. Upon her arrest, authorities uncovered a collection of items, including wigs and what appeared to be tainted chocolate, which they suspect Barbosa may have used in a previous poisoning attempt targeting Miran.
Barbosa was arrested while allegedly attempting to flee back to her hometown of Santarém. She faces charges of homicide for the death of Luis, as well as two counts of attempted homicide for the illnesses of Miran and Evelyn. While Barbosa has reportedly confessed to purchasing the dessert, she has denied any involvement in poisoning it.
As the investigation unfolds, forensic tests are being conducted on the remaining dessert to determine the exact substance that caused the horrific reactions. These tests are expected to take around ten days, and the results will be crucial in building the case against Barbosa. Legal experts suggest that if the evidence conclusively links her to the poisoning, she may face severe penalties under Brazilian law, particularly as the victim was a child.
The incident has raised concerns over the prevalence of poisoning cases in Brazil, with experts noting that such acts, particularly involving food, are not uncommon. The community is left reeling from the loss of a young life and grappling with the implications of such a shocking crime.
As the legal proceedings begin, the case is expected to draw significant attention, highlighting issues of jealousy, vengeance, and the tragic consequences of personal disputes. The family affected by this event has garnered widespread sympathy, with many calling for justice for young Luis and his survivors.