Police found a 36-year-old man dead in the woods approximately 656 feet (200 meters) from his home after his wife reported him missing. The man suffered from depression and anxiety, had visited a psychiatrist shortly before his death, and had started taking fluoxetine. His coworkers also said that he had been behaving unusually at work and had talked about his own funeral.
More than 30 stab wounds were found on his body, mainly to the chest and abdomen. Some were very deep, penetrating the left lung and also striking the heart. Several ribs were damaged, and approximately 30.4 fl oz (900 ml) of blood was found in the chest cavity. A kitchen knife with a 4.3-inch (11 cm) blade was found near the body, stuck in the ground.
Although the number and nature of the injuries initially raised suspicion of murder, there were no signs of a struggle or defensive injuries at the scene. Toxicology also found no alcohol or drugs. After evaluating all the circumstances, investigators concluded that the man had inflicted the injuries on himself.
If you’re thinking about suicide, please stop and recognize that your pain is not permanent, but this step would be. It may feel like there’s no other way, but there is hope, even if it’s hard to see right now. Your feelings are temporary, and with help, they can pass.
Talking about what you're going through might feel difficult, but it’s the first step toward healing. Don’t turn away from the people who want to support you. Life can offer more than what you're feeling right now, and the pain doesn't have to last forever. You deserve help, and it’s available.
If you need immediate help, please contact a helpline.
