On February 14, the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) published a joint letter regarding the investigation into the death of OpenAI whistleblower Suchir Balaji. The letter states that after a thorough review, both agencies found insufficient evidence to suggest that Suchir’s death was a homicide and not a suicide. The SFPD now considers this case closed.
The Report
According to the report, the OCME’s forensic analysis found that Suchir’s death was because of a single bullet wound, front-to-back with a downward trajectory, and there were no other injuries or bruises on his body. There were no signs of forced entry, and the OCME believes that Balaji was alone at the time of his death.
“The pistol found at the scene was purchased and registered to Mr. Balaji in January 2023. A review of the desktop computer revealed searches for brain anatomy. And a witness statement from Mr. Balaji’s mother indicated that he had been under stress due to quitting his job,” the report states.
During their investigation, the SFPD found Suchir’s DNA on the firearm that had caused his death. An analysis of the gunshot residue kit revealed that characteristic gunshot residue particles were detected on Balaji’s hands.
“The SFPD found no evidence or information to establish that Mr. Balaji died of means other than a suicide by self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head,” the report concludes. “SFPD considers this case closed and will only reopen the criminal investigation if there is a basis for a chargeable offense and the statute of limitations has not expired.”
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Parents Disagree With Report
Ever since Suchir’s death came to light late last year, his parents Poornima Ramarao and Balaji Ramamurthy have maintained that their son’s death was not a suicide, and that there was foul play. Suchir was a researcher at OpenAI who quit his job at the company and spoke out about the company’s copyright law violations. His parents believe that he was killed in retaliation for his whistleblowing activities.
Kevin Rooney, an attorney representing Suchir’s parents said in an email statement that their legal team intends to engage with the authorities to get more information and materials related to the investigation, like the officers’ body-worn camera footage.
“While we appreciate receiving some of the information Suchir’s parents have asked for since his death, we believe the investigation is far from complete,” the statement said. “We also disagree both with the conclusions the City has reached and with some of the underlying assertions and assumptions upon which those conclusions are based.”
This is a developing story.