'Doesn't seem like suicide': Elon Musk wades into Suchir Balaji death controversy; 'support us', pleads techie's mother

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has backed Poornima Ramarao’s claims of foul play in the mysterious death of her son, Suchir Balaji.
Ramarao, the mother of a 26-year-old Indian-origin tech researcher and former OpenAI employee, has called for an FBI investigation, arguing that evidence uncovered through a private autopsy and investigation casts doubt on the police’s conclusion of suicide.
Ramarao shared her concerns, writing, “Suchir’s apartment was ransacked, sign of struggle in the bathroom and looks like someone hit him in bathroom based on blood spots. It’s a cold-blooded mu*d*r declared by authorities as suicide. Lobbying in SF city doesn’t stop us from getting justices. We demand FBI investigation”

In response, Musk voiced his support, tweeting, “This doesn’t seem like a suicide.”

Following Musk’s comments, Ramarao reached out to him, asking for further assistance in the case.

Earlier, the entrepreneur who co-founded OpenAI and later parted ways with the company had also posted about the incident, fueling further speculation surrounding Balaji’s sudden death.

The tragedy has prompted prominent AI ethics advocates and creators to demand a full and transparent investigation, alongside stronger protections for individuals who raise ethical concerns within the tech industry.

Balaji, a respected figure in the tech world, was known for his critical stance on AI practices. In October, he made headlines with an interview in The New York Times, expressing concerns about copyright violations by leading AI companies. After resigning from OpenAI in August due to ethical disagreements, Balaji became a key figure in the newspaper’s copyright case against the company.
Days after his 26th birthday, Balaji was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on November 26. The San Francisco police ruled his death a suicide, citing CCTV footage that showed he was alone at the time.
However, his supporters have raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding his death. Despite the San Francisco police's stance that there is no evidence of foul play, Ramarao’s call for an FBI investigation is gaining major momentum and public support.