A Brazilian pilates teacher, Larissa Rodrigues, 37, was tragically found dead in her apartment in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo on March 22. Reports indicate that her husband, Luíz Antônio Garnica, 38, and his mother, Elizabete Arrabaça, 67, have been arrested on suspicion of fatally poisoning her. It is alleged that Rodrigues had recently discovered her husband’s extramarital affair, which may have been a motive for the crime.
According to local media outlets, toxicology reports revealed that Rodrigues had been poisoned with a substance known as ‘chumbinho,’ a restricted pesticide in Brazil. The reports also indicated traces of lead in her system. Police investigations suggest that Arrabaça had attempted to obtain lead prior to Rodrigues’ death. Authorities claim that Garnica tried to clean the apartment to remove evidence after finding his wife deceased.
Garnica, a doctor, has denied the allegations against him, with his lawyer emphasizing the lack of evidence linking him to the poisoning. Arrabaça also denied involvement in the murder case. The investigation is ongoing, and updates are being reported by local media sources.
For the latest crime news and coverage, subscribe to PEOPLE’s complimentary True Crime newsletter. Stay updated on breaking crime stories, ongoing trials, and intriguing unsolved cases. Rodrigues’ close friend, Maísa Ramos, revealed to EPTV (affiliated with TV Globo) about her last conversation with Rodrigues in February regarding her troubled marriage. Ramos shared that Rodrigues acknowledged the relationship was failing but felt unable to leave. In a message exchange, Rodrigues mentioned being held back by fear, though she didn’t specify the type of fear, as reported by O Correio Brazilense. Alongside the investigation into Rodrigues’ murder, the Civil Police have requested the exhumation of Garnica’s sister’s body, who passed away in February, according to G1. Despite attempts to reach out, the Civil Police of the State of São Paulo and the Court of Justice of São Paulo have not yet provided additional details to PEOPLE. Read the original article on People for further information.
