A HUSBAND allegedly slit his pregnant wife's throat during sex after a row about Christmas dinner.

Marcelo Augusto de Sousa Araujo then forged a suicide letter claiming to be written by murdered makeup artist Francine Rigo dos Santos, it is claimed.

Araujo is set to stand trial accused of murdering Francine, 21, who was in the early stages of pregnancy, three days before Christmas last year.

The "farewell letter" only came to light yesterday in a report by G1 Globo news.

Araujo is alleged to have impersonated his wife in an effort to make it look like a double suicide and put the blame on her family.

The letter purporting to written by Francine says: "We're tired of our family interfering so much in our life.

"We love each other a lot, whether you accept it or not, so we've decided to leave together.

"We wanted a family together to support us, but it is hell on both sides. May you feel the weight of what you put us through."

Araujo is also alleged to have posted a bogus update on his wife's Facebook page on December 23, the day after she died.

It also complained about the "psychological pressure" from her family.

Worried relatives who could not contact her broke down the door and found her dead inside the couple's home in Várzea Paulista, Brazil.

The house was stained with blood, and Marcelo had injuries to his wrists and neck after apparently attempting suicide.

WHERE CAN I GET HELP?

You don't have to suffer in silence.

If you are experiencing domestic violence or someone you know is there are groups that can help.

Refuge runs a free, 24-hour helpline on 0808 2000 247.

You can also visit the website or contact Women’s Aid.

Araujo was taken to hospital and then to a police station.

Reports claim he confessed to cutting his wife's throat while they were having sex on December 22.

The G1 Globo report claims the couple had argued about Christmas dinner and her pregnancy.

An autopsy showed two lacerations to her neck measuring 6.3 inches and 2.4 inches.

She also had a broken wrist and head trauma.

In August a judge ordered Araujo to stand trial by jury.

His defence team appealed the decision, which was upheld by a higher court on November 30.

The trial date has not been set.

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