7-Year-Old Boy Dies After Woman Allegedly Sends Poisoned Easter Eggs to Ex’s Family in Shocking ‘Revenge’ Plot
A small community is reeling after the tragic death of a 7-year-old boy, who police say died after eating a poisoned Easter egg allegedly sent by a woman targeting her ex-boyfriend’s family. The horrific incident unfolded during what was supposed to be a joyful holiday gathering, but instead turned into a devastating and deeply disturbing crime scene.
According to law enforcement officials, the woman, identified as 29-year-old Marissa Bennett, is accused of orchestrating a sinister plot to get back at her former partner by mailing tainted Easter eggs to his family’s home. The eggs, which were beautifully decorated and packaged to look like harmless holiday treats, were laced with a toxic substance that investigators later identified as oleander extract—a highly poisonous plant derivative.
The family, unaware of the danger, allowed the children to enjoy the colorful treats during an Easter celebration last weekend. Moments later, 7-year-old Tyler James reportedly began experiencing severe symptoms including vomiting, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. He was rushed to the hospital, but despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead later that evening.
Authorities quickly launched an investigation and traced the origin of the Easter package to Bennett, who had reportedly ended a volatile relationship with Tyler’s uncle several months earlier. According to police, she had made threatening remarks in texts and social media posts in the weeks leading up to the incident, including cryptic references to “teaching people a lesson” and “Easter surprises they’ll never forget.”
Investigators say Bennett admitted to sending the eggs but claimed she “didn’t mean to hurt a child.” In a chilling statement during interrogation, she reportedly said, “They were meant for the adults. I didn’t think the kids would get to them first.” Prosecutors are not buying her explanation and have charged her with murder, attempted murder, and multiple counts of reckless endangerment.
The boy’s devastated parents released a brief statement asking for privacy and remembering their son as “a joyful, loving spirit who brought light into every room.” A candlelight vigil was held in their neighborhood, where dozens gathered to leave flowers, toys, and handwritten notes in front of the family’s home.
“This is the kind of crime you read about in novels, not something you expect in real life,” said Police Chief Daniel Ruiz during a press conference. “This was a deliberate act of revenge, and the consequences were fatal. A child’s life was taken for no reason other than spite.”
Mental health professionals have been made available at Tyler’s school, where grief counselors are working with students and staff to process the shocking news. Meanwhile, social media has erupted with outrage, with many calling for the harshest possible penalty for Bennett.
As the case heads to court, the community remains in mourning, struggling to comprehend how something as innocent as an Easter egg could be turned into an instrument of such cruelty. For now, all eyes remain on the justice system as it seeks accountability for an unthinkable loss.
