The sick family from Söderhamn is still a mystery.
Several authorities have been involved, and it is still unclear what is behind the death.
– In this particular case, you have to go outside the usual arsenal of existing substances. As I understand it, they have been able to rule out a lot of things, says poison expert Kai Knudsen.
It was on October 15 that the family came in by ambulance to Hudiksvall hospital with serious stomach problems. The sick family had to call 112 twice before they were taken to hospital. The ambulance was at the family’s home but left them behind, the father told SVT Gävleborg.
When the youngest family member died, the police labeled the incident a homicide, while the rest of the family was cared for in the intensive care unit. Hundreds of tests have been done, including on leftover food and vomit, but the illness remains a mystery.
– The case is very special in that an entire family has been affected but it has not yet been found what, nor has it been ensured that it is poisoning, says Kai Knudsen, poison expert and chief physician IVA, Sahlgrenska hospital.
Rare drugs
According to Kai Knudsen, they investigate rare medicines, plants and dietary supplements that are not used in Sweden.
– In this particular case, you have to go outside the usual arsenal of existing substances, and as far as I know, you do.
To solve the mystery, the police are collaborating with a number of different authorities and they have also taken expert help from abroad. According to the prosecutor, it is very unusual for so many authorities to be involved.
Awaiting test results
– I have never been part of it before, but it also shows the complexity of the whole matter. We have to use all kinds of expertise to move forward in the investigation, says Christer Sammens, prosecutor.
The next step in the investigation is to wait for test results, which are expected to be received within a few weeks.
Do you think you will be able to solve the case?
– We will probably be able to establish what the cause of death and illness are. Then the next step is to find out how it happened, says Christer Sammens, prosecutor.