Police investigation after unassisted suicide?

[Not_Quite_Dead_Yet]

If an elderly, frail person successfully suicides in their own residence, leaving a note, a copy of Final Exit and makes it clear that no one else assisted, would the police bother with a search of the premises and all that kind of snoopy stuff? I am a very private person and cringe at the thought of people going through my personal effects. Yes, yes, I realize I would not be alive to know about it but the mere thought of it (now, while still capable of thought) freaks me out. Also, if one were to CTB in a hotel room, would that prevent the authorities from rooting through my life and residence, absent any criminal activity (since suicide itself is not a crime in the USA)? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Alchemist]

It depends on how diligent are cops. I know cops in my country are so lazy that as soon as they find it's suicide, they'll leave it at that.

 

[Rachel74]

I think if it was an elderly frail person then I'd leave no note, chances are it would look like natural causes.

 

[sad_frog]

I'm scared of the same thing.
I honestly think the cops won't investigate unless prompted by a family member/friend.

(and I'm pretty sure suicide IS a crime in the USA, but that doesnt mean an investigation will take place as I said)

 

[TowerUpright]

I'm reasonably sure suicide is NOT a crime in the US. Attempted suicide, perhaps.. :)

 

[Trainwreck]

If you're sick (but don't have a terminal diagnosis), and middle aged, I expect there would be some investigation? Or since death by SN is apparently obvious, do they not bother and just note it as suicide? I'm not leaving a note, my loved ones know I'm miserable with my health problems, so there is no need to explain.

 

[OnlyMercy]

I would just leave a note making it incredibly clear that your death was intentional. Also, I recommend you encrypt your hard drives and cell phone if privacy a concern for you. Maybe implement the use of VPN as well to mask your online activity.

 

[Darkhaven]

I know that feeling.
It's really disturbing. I always expect the worst. In any situation i always expect things to go in the worst caso scenario.
When i think what will happen after i die i tell myself that they will thouroughly search everything and more even disturbing, they will dice me up and make an autopsy to make sure of what killed me, even if i leave note.
So to prepare for that scenario i will destroy everuthing that could possibly give them details about my death: i will destroy every gadget i own, i will burn my clothes, etc.
As for the autopsy i will probably leave a note and, if it's the case, i will also leave a sample of the drug i used.
It's unaceptable how they treat corpses. Cowards take advantage of our absence to treat our bodies and belongings like they own them.

 

[Not_Quite_Dead_Yet]

I'm scared of the same thing.
I honestly think the cops won't investigate unless prompted by a family member/friend.

(and I'm pretty sure suicide IS a crime in the USA, but that doesnt mean an investigation will take place as I said)

Nope: "United States: In the past, many states had laws that regarded the act of suicide as a felony, but these laws were seldom enforced. In the 1980s, 30 out of 50 United States has no laws opposing suicide or attempting suicide. With that said, all 50 states had laws stating that assisted suicide is a felony. Currently there is no law against the act of committing suicide in the United States."

Found a website that has the 411 on this in every country.

Is Suicide Illegal? Suicide Laws By Country

Discussing suicide legislation is a tricky subject because "suicide" itself is a very polarizing topic. There are typically people that believe it is "wrong" to

mentalhealthdaily.com

A few years old, but from what I can garner, the information is still good. Looks like the worst place to CTB or try to is North Korea. Why am I not surprised at that?

 

[Jamoca]

I have some experience with this when my husband passed, I'm in the us. They said they need to investigate all unattended deaths. I was investigated because I was home. They didn't go through the house as he did it in garage but they did look through his phone and computer he had with him, and after they found some posts he made on another site they finished it unless some new evidence comes up. If you want more info message me.

 

[Trainwreck]

I

I have some experience with this when my husband passed, I'm in the us. They said they need to investigate all unattended deaths. I was investigated because I was home. They didn't go through the house as he did it in garage but they did look through his phone and computer he had with him, and after they found some posts he made on another site they finished it unless some new evidence comes up. If you want more info message me.

Thanks! I'm hoping the police won't give my parents a hard time. With SN it will be obvious that I killed myself, but I try to be careful online (like using a vpn and whatnot), so they won't really find much on my phone or computer. I guess they could look at my amazon account and see I've been buying some weird ass shit lately.

 

[Jamoca]

I


Thanks! I'm hoping the police won't give my parents a hard time. With SN it will be obvious that I killed myself, but I try to be careful online (like using a vpn and whatnot), so they won't really find much on my phone or computer. I guess they could look at my amazon account and see I've been buying some weird ass shit lately.

Your best bet is to leave a note it will help a lot to clear everything up

 

[Trainwreck]

Your best bet is to leave a note it will help a lot to clear everything up

Thanks, I hadn't intended to, but if it helps my parents out, I'll do it.

 

[color_me_gone]

Looks like the worst place to CTB or try to is North Korea. Why am I not surprised at that?

Ahhh, but suicide is actually very easy in N.K.
Just speak out against the "Dear Leader", maybe call him some nasty names. Do it out in public.
You will be arrested immediately, and dead in a few days, no questions asked.
It's sort of like Suicide by Cop, but even more reliable.

 

[Sweet emotion]

If an elderly, frail person successfully suicides in their own residence, leaving a note, a copy of Final Exit and makes it clear that no one else assisted, would the police bother with a search of the premises and all that kind of snoopy stuff? I am a very private person and cringe at the thought of people going through my personal effects. Yes, yes, I realize I would not be alive to know about it but the mere thought of it (now, while still capable of thought) freaks me out. Also, if one were to CTB in a hotel room, would that prevent the authorities from rooting through my life and residence, absent any criminal activity (since suicide itself is not a crime in the USA)? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

My friend killed herself because she has the same disease as me, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome which is the highest ranking pain condition in medical history. She left a note and told her mom that she killed herself due to her pain and that she didn't want an autopsy performed on her. Just take her to the cremation place. The cops didn't Snoop around or anything because her mother told them how badly she suffered and she left bottles of pills in her bed. That is how I plan to go out. My friend was such a wonderful person. She was beautiful, compassionate, talented, thoughtful, and so very brave. She hung out long enough until Thanksgiving passed because she didn't want her mom to associate that as an awful holiday. Plus if your dead there would be no reason for them to look inside your house. It's not like you murdered someone and are on the run from the law.

Ahhh, but suicide is actually very easy in N.K.
Just speak out against the "Dear Leader", maybe call him some nasty names. Do it out in public.
You will be arrested immediately, and dead in a few days, no questions asked.
It's sort of like Suicide by Cop, but even more reliable.

I don't think he's going to go to North Korea to kill himself.

I know that feeling.
It's really disturbing. I always expect the worst. In any situation i always expect things to go in the worst caso scenario.
When i think what will happen after i die i tell myself that they will thouroughly search everything and more even disturbing, they will dice me up and make an autopsy to make sure of what killed me, even if i leave note.
So to prepare for that scenario i will destroy everuthing that could possibly give them details about my death: i will destroy every gadget i own, i will burn my clothes, etc.
As for the autopsy i will probably leave a note and, if it's the case, i will also leave a sample of the drug i used.
It's unaceptable how they treat corpses. Cowards take advantage of our absence to treat our bodies and belongings like they own them.

My friend killed herself by taking pills. She wrote a note and made it very clear that she killed herself because she was like me. She has the highest ranking pain condition in medical history. She left all the bottles by her bed stand. No autopsy was performed because she told them what she took. Especially if the authorities in your town already know who you are. The cops in my town know about me and the disease I have. So I'm going to do the same thing as my friend did. I'm so grateful that she gave me all this information.

 

[Stan]

Police forces in most countries investigate (whether it be cursory or in depth) to ensure it was a suicide rather than a murder staged as a suicide if things don't add up or a motive seems clear such as leaving a large amount of money in a will. But leaving a note or even better a video somewhat shuts that down.

 

[Death_is_Escape]

If an elderly, frail person successfully suicides in their own residence, leaving a note, a copy of Final Exit and makes it clear that no one else assisted, would the police bother with a search of the premises and all that kind of snoopy stuff? I am a very private person and cringe at the thought of people going through my personal effects. Yes, yes, I realize I would not be alive to know about it but the mere thought of it (now, while still capable of thought) freaks me out. Also, if one were to CTB in a hotel room, would that prevent the authorities from rooting through my life and residence, absent any criminal activity (since suicide itself is not a crime in the USA)? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

The fuzz being who they've ALWAYS been means they MIGHT get nosy for overtime pay.

 

[sad_frog]

Nope: "United States: In the past, many states had laws that regarded the act of suicide as a felony, but these laws were seldom enforced. In the 1980s, 30 out of 50 United States has no laws opposing suicide or attempting suicide. With that said, all 50 states had laws stating that assisted suicide is a felony. Currently there is no law against the act of committing suicide in the United States."

Found a website that has the 411 on this in every country.

Is Suicide Illegal? Suicide Laws By Country

Discussing suicide legislation is a tricky subject because "suicide" itself is a very polarizing topic. There are typically people that believe it is "wrong" to

mentalhealthdaily.com

A few years old, but from what I can garner, the information is still good. Looks like the worst place to CTB or try to is North Korea. Why am I not surprised at that?

This is good to know!
Sorry about the false info!

When I was recovering from an attempt in the hospital the cops had talked to my mom about how they wouldnt charge me..."this time."
I think they were pushing the idea of me being charged for the crime because it took A LOT of resources to find me. I didn't leave anything to tell them where I was or that I was attempting to CTB so them finding me passed out miles into the woods was a surprise.

 

[Stan]

The police can be nasty and charge you for wasting their time in certain circumstances

 

[Not_Quite_Dead_Yet]

The police can be nasty and charge you for wasting their time in certain circumstances

So what are they gonna do to me if I am already dead? I have no family left and as a true U.H. (Urban Hermit), there aren't even any friends for the police to hassle. It would be the proverbial open and shut case, right? I just don't want them pawing through my stuff.

Ahhh, but suicide is actually very easy in N.K.
Just speak out against the "Dear Leader", maybe call him some nasty names. Do it out in public.
You will be arrested immediately, and dead in a few days, no questions asked.
It's sort of like Suicide by Cop, but even more reliable.

That's funny; thanks for giving me a laugh.

I have some experience with this when my husband passed, I'm in the us. They said they need to investigate all unattended deaths. I was investigated because I was home. They didn't go through the house as he did it in garage but they did look through his phone and computer he had with him, and after they found some posts he made on another site they finished it unless some new evidence comes up. If you want more info message me.

Ah, so maybe it is better not to wipe my computer if the police were satisfied with posts made here or on the other forum. However, I do believe a note written in one's distinctive handwriting, dated and signed, would be solid evidence of intent.

 

[sleepy dog]

Why would you purposefully leave links to any organization? Leave a copy of Final Exit book? Leave links to this forum or another one? You would just contribute to their desire to shut all of these sources of help down. Somebody suggested it and you just seemed to ignore it. MAKE A VIDEO. That would end the investigation before it starts. You are in the wrong state of mind to be honest. You are worrying about something that just does not matter. And to serve your peace of mind you think of leaving links to organizations that helped inform you to successfully die under your own control.

 

[Trainwreck]

I would like to post here when I cbt for comfort and to give information to others, but I'm afraid I might fall asleep before I can log off. I don't want anyone to know about this place. SS has been so helpful to me! I don't want to cause trouble for the forum, which apparently has happened in the past. I'm just going to leave a short handwritten note, and hopefully that will be the end of it. I'm also going to turn face and fingerprint recognition off, which should make it harder for LE to access my devices. I feel fairly confident that my parents won't cause an uproar. We're private people, and they know how much I'm suffering.

 

[Sweet emotion]

If an elderly, frail person successfully suicides in their own residence, leaving a note, a copy of Final Exit and makes it clear that no one else assisted, would the police bother with a search of the premises and all that kind of snoopy stuff? I am a very private person and cringe at the thought of people going through my personal effects. Yes, yes, I realize I would not be alive to know about it but the mere thought of it (now, while still capable of thought) freaks me out. Also, if one were to CTB in a hotel room, would that prevent the authorities from rooting through my life and residence, absent any criminal activity (since suicide itself is not a crime in the USA)? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Why would you leave links to this organization or any organization that is dedicated to helping those who are in physical and mental anguish end their suffering? That is very selfish in my opinion. You're worried about something that doesn't even matter. A copy of final exit? Really? If it weren't for this site I wouldn't have the peace of mind right now to know that the way I want to die is going to be successful and I won't feel any pain hopefully. And if you're a lonely hermit like you say you are, it isn't going to be that strange for someone to believe you killed yourself. You leave a note, a video. But don't ever leave anything that relates back to any organizations. Sure after you're dead what do you care about other people right? Well many people depend on this page and other organizations. What do you have that is so important that police should not see? Who cares. You won't even know about it. It's just selfish.

Why would you purposefully leave links to any organization? Leave a copy of Final Exit book? Leave links to this forum or another one? You would just contribute to their desire to shut all of these sources of help down. Somebody suggested it and you just seemed to ignore it. MAKE A VIDEO. That would end the investigation before it starts. You are in the wrong state of mind to be honest. You are worrying about something that just does not matter. And to serve your peace of mind you think of leaving links to organizations that helped inform you to successfully die under your own control.

I couldn't agree with you more. I think it's the most selfish thing someone can do. Yeah after they're dead and they have been helped they want to destroy it for others who are in severe physical and mental pain?!?! That is so wrong. I can guarantee the cops aren't going to do an extensive search of his apartment. A friend of the family overdosed on the toilet bowl and he lived with his parents and girlfriend. No one went theough his things. It was an accidental overdose and they didn't go through anything. God that just pisses me off that someone would out any organization that helped them with their final process. And then ruin it for others that need it.

 

[Trainwreck]

So in my note, do I just need to make it clear I killed myself and why, or do I also need to specify what I used? The clonazapam is from a prescription I had a few years ago (do I just leave the bottle in plain sight?) and the domperidone was bought from India (although I have gastropareses, and domperidone is used to treat it in countries outside the US). And then there is the SN. I'll peal the label off and hide it somewhere to protect the brand name, but do I mention the SN in my note to speed things along investigation wise, and maybe get to skip an autopsy (obviously I don't care if I'm autopsied, but it might be hard on my parents). I figure being blue might make it unnecessary to mention the SN. As for the leftover SN, I'll just put the unlabeled bottle of powder in a cabinet and it will probably get tossed out without a second thought once my stuff is gone through. Hopefully LE won't care enough to look into where I bought it.

 

[sleepy dog]

So in my note, do I just need to make it clear I killed myself and why, or do I also need to specify what I used? The clonazapam is from a prescription I had a few years ago (do I just leave the bottle in plain sight?) and the domperidone was bought from India (although I have gastropareses, and domperidone is used to treat it in countries outside the US). And then there is the SN. I'll peal the label off and hide it somewhere to protect the brand name, but do I mention the SN in my note to speed things along investigation wise, and maybe get to skip an autopsy (obviously I don't care if I'm autopsied, but it might be hard on my parents). I figure being blue might make it unnecessary to mention the SN. As for the leftover SN, I'll just put the unlabeled bottle of powder in a cabinet and it will probably get tossed out without a second thought once my stuff is gone through. Hopefully LE won't care enough to look into where I bought it.

So you want to take the label off a container of a poisonous substance and put it in a cabinet. And it could be mistaken for everyday normal table salt. And you would not be there to say "Don't use that, its not normal salt!" And NOT_QUITE_DEAD_YET wants to leave links to Exit and this forum and another forum. I smell trolls, or LE. Not certain but...

 

[Trainwreck]

No no no, let air get to it so it turns into nitrate.

And who would be dumb enough to take an unknown powder from a bathroom cabinet and say, "Gee, let me find the salt shakers!"

 

[LastFlowers]

I have some experience with this when my husband passed, I'm in the us. They said they need to investigate all unattended deaths. I was investigated because I was home. They didn't go through the house as he did it in garage but they did look through his phone and computer he had with him, and after they found some posts he made on another site they finished it unless some new evidence comes up. If you want more info message me.

It would be good if anyone else has experience with this, to chime in.
Thank you for that information.

This is something I worry about and I wonder if location change from my home (when I CTB) will avoid some of the rummaging, ransacking, and invasion of privacy that suicide can lead to.
I don't care if I will be dead, I still very much care what happens afterward.
I lack so much control over my living life, I would like to have some over my death and the proceedings that take place after.

 

[Ritter]

So in my note, do I just need to make it clear I killed myself and why, or do I also need to specify what I used? The clonazapam is from a prescription I had a few years ago (do I just leave the bottle in plain sight?) and the domperidone was bought from India (although I have gastropareses, and domperidone is used to treat it in countries outside the US). And then there is the SN. I'll peal the label off and hide it somewhere to protect the brand name, but do I mention the SN in my note to speed things along investigation wise, and maybe get to skip an autopsy (obviously I don't care if I'm autopsied, but it might be hard on my parents). I figure being blue might make it unnecessary to mention the SN. As for the leftover SN, I'll just put the unlabeled bottle of powder in a cabinet and it will probably get tossed out without a second thought once my stuff is gone through. Hopefully LE won't care enough to look into where I bought it.

The best answer is "it depends..."

Leaving a note and how you CTB will help, but it might not necessarily prevent an autopsy or investigation.

My boyfriend CTB by use of firearm..but almost two months later still don't have his death certificate because the coroner is waiting toxicology report before issuing the cause of death (although it was very obvious).

Police have to do due diligent, that can range from an interview with family/friends, gathering of suicide notes and of course investigating the area of death. My BF died in a field off of a dirt road, but they still went through his car, still took the notes he left for me and his family (and they did not give me back the originals which is heartbreaking to me) and recorded the last messages we sent each other as well as my call log even though he died an hour away from me, I had called the police when he texted me that he was going to end it and I was driving as fast as I could to try and stop him.

As for an autopsy, I cannot say if that is guaranteed or not. I don't even know if they autopsied my boyfriend...I did not see him before he was cremated and it did take a week for his cremation which seemed long to me, to be honest I didn't ask.. though I have been told by an acquaintance whose BF died by firearm had been autopsied...

All I can say is there WILL be some form of an investigation. The police did not come to our house and go through my or his things, but they did not just accept the notes and the scene as a an open and shut they will ask some questions.
I will say that the acquaintance whose BF died in their home said their house was thoroughly went through by the police, items taken, place left in a disarray so keep that in mind.


For those who are extremely private individuals do know that your next of kin will have the ability to go through your things (can be limited by your will but will have to be enforced by your executor of your will) after you are gone, so prepare accordingly.

 

[sleepy dog]

No no no, let air get to it so it turns into nitrate.

And who would be dumb enough to take an unknown powder from a bathroom cabinet and say, "Gee, let me find the salt shakers!"

You said a cabinet, and said nothing about a bathroom. But yes some people keep salt in the bathroom to put in the bath water.

 

[Trainwreck]

The best answer is "it depends..."

Leaving a note and how you CTB will help, but it might not necessarily prevent an autopsy or investigation.

My boyfriend CTB by use of firearm..but almost two months later still don't have his death certificate because the coroner is waiting toxicology report before issuing the cause of death (although it was very obvious).

Police have to do due diligent, that can range from an interview with family/friends, gathering of suicide notes and of course investigating the area of death. My BF died in a field off of a dirt road, but they still went through his car, still took the notes he left for me and his family (and they did not give me back the originals which is heartbreaking to me) and recorded the last messages we sent each other as well as my call log even though he died an hour away from me, I had called the police when he texted me that he was going to end it and I was driving as fast as I could to try and stop him.

As for an autopsy, I cannot say if that is guaranteed or not. I don't even know if they autopsied my boyfriend though I have been told by an acquaintance whose BF died by firearm had been autopsied...

All I can say is there WILL be some form of an investigation. The police did not come to our house and go through my or his things, but they did not just accept the notes and the scene as a an open and shut they will ask some questions.
I will say that the acquaintance whose BF died in their home said their house was thoroughly went through by the police, items taken, place left in a disarray so keep that in mind.


For those who are extremely private individuals do know that your next of kin will have the ability to go through your things (can be limited by your will but will have to be enforced by your executor of your will) after you are gone, so prepare accordingly.

Thank you very much for this! I live with my parents, and this will be hard enough on them as it is. I just want to try to "simplify" things for them as much as possible. I'm in my 40's and have several chronic health problems an no assets to speak of. My parents are in their 70's, so I just can't imagine anyone thinking there was foul play going on. But you never know, I guess

You said a cabinet, and said nothing about a bathroom. But yes some people keep salt in the bathroom to put in the bath water.

No bath, so no problem. So you really thing I should just leave the label on? I just didn't want to cause a fuss for the manufacturer. There already seems to be a crackdown in other countries on individuals buying SN.