A Pilates teacher was allegedly poisoned by her surgeon husband and his mother, who wanted to avoid the financial consequences of divorce after she found out about his affair with a 26-year-old student.
The incident occurred in Ribeirao Preto, a city in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo, on 22nd March.
The victim, blonde Larissa Talle Leoncio Rodrigues, 37, died in her apartment after reportedly consuming grapes laced with 'chumbinho', a powerful pesticide often used in homicides.
Her husband, Luiz Antonio Garnica, 38, and his mother, Elizabete Arrabaca, 64, were arrested on 6th May following toxicology reports confirming poisoning.
Investigations revealed that Larissa had planned to divorce Garnica after uncovering his 18-month affair with the unnamed 26-year-old student.
Professor Larissa Rodrigues poses with husband in undated photo. She died in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (Newsflash/NX)
She had confided in friends about her intentions and confronted Garnica upon finding incriminating items in his car.
On the morning of her death, Garnica claimed to have found Larissa unresponsive in the bathroom and attempted to revive her.
However, paramedics noted that rigor mortis had already set in, indicating she had been dead for some time.
They also reported a strong smell of cleaning products in the apartment, suggesting an attempt to destroy evidence.
Professor Larissa Rodrigues poses in undated photo. She died in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (Newsflash/NX)
Police discovered that Arrabaca had sought to purchase 'chumbinho' two weeks prior to Larissa's death.
A witness reported that Arrabaca contacted a farmer friend to inquire about obtaining the pesticide.
When the friend declined, she asked for recommendations on where to buy it, but no one provided assistance.
Authorities believe that financial motives played a significant role in the murder.
Doctor Luiz Antonio Garnica poses in undated photo. He was arrested on suspicion of involvement in the death of his wife in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (Newsflash/NX)
After Larissa's death, her bank account showed unusual activity, with funds being transferred and withdrawn.
Her lawyer stated that these transactions occurred without her authorisation, indicating a possible motive beyond the affair.
The couple had been together for 18 years, and Larissa had reportedly confided in her mother-in-law about her husband's infidelity.
Garnica's lawyer, Julio Mossin, asserts that the doctor denies any wrongdoing.
The investigation is ongoing.
(MJ Leidig/newsX)