In the middle of October last year, a two-child family in Söderhamn was afflicted with severe stomach symptoms. One of the children, a four-year-old girl, died at the hospital.
A preliminary investigation into suspected murder was initiated, and later, traces of the highly toxic and unusual substance phosphine were found in the samples from the family. Now the investigation is being dropped, reports Aftonbladet.
The investigation has been complex and extensive. A large number of interrogations have been held, and both national and international expertise has been consulted, says Jan Ekholm, group leader for serious crimes in Hälsingland, to the newspaper.
Phosphine can occur in both solid form and as a gas. The substance is highly toxic even in small amounts, regardless of whether one inhales it or gets it in some other way.
