Doctor and mum 'killed wife with rat poison' so he could be with mistress

A doctor allegedly enlisted his mum to help kill his wife with rat poison so he could keep their flat and be with his lover. The duo from São Paulo, Brazil, have been formally charged with the murder of Pilates teacher, Larissa Rodrigues.

Prosecutors believe Luiz Antonio Garnica, 38, killed her so he could pursue a relationship with his lover without having to divide up their assets. Rodrigues had just learnt of her husband's affair when she suddenly died of poisoning on March 22 in the Jardim Botânico neighbourhood of Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.

Garnica and his mum Elizabete Arrabaça were arrested in May on suspicion of causing death by poisoning. Prosecutors say they gave Rodrigues daily doses of poison to weaken her progressively and eventually kill her.

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Garnica has also been charged with perverting the course of justice for allegedly tampering with the crime scene. Prosecutors say he enlisted the help of his mother, who knew about the affair and was also against a divorce for financial reasons.

Prosecutor Nicolino said: "Larissa had been gradually poisoned over the course of 10 to 15 days, in smaller doses. But that Friday, she said she intended to see a lawyer on Monday.

"That would've marked the end of the relationship and the division of the couple's shared assets. Elizabete went to the flat and, we believe, gave her another dose - likely a stronger one - because Larissa died in the early hours of the next morning."

Prosecutors say Garnica and his mother had been feeding Rodrigues soup laced with rat poison, as well as mystery "medication".

Detectives discovered "ways to poison someone" and "rat poison" among Arrabaça's internet searches. Larissa developed symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Marcus said: "During one of these bouts of illness, Larissa asked to be taken to hospital, but Luiz Garnica not only refused - he forbade her from going altogether.

"It was a clear attempt to stop her from seeking proper medical help, choosing instead to call his mother to bring over so-called 'medicine'. In the midst of her agony, Larissa confided that she felt like she was going to die."

According to the formal accusation: "The prospect of having to split their property - especially the couple's flat - and the financial burden of finding a new place to live or paying out Larissa's share was a key factor in his decision to eliminate her.

"Luiz's clear intention to continue his relationship with his lover became undeniable after the crime.

"Within days, he moved her into the flat he had shared with Larissa. And less than a month after the victim's death, he formally introduced her to his mother, Elizabete, over lunch.

"His actions show a complete disregard for Larissa's memory and a chilling coldness in pursuing his own interests at the expense of his wife's life."