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Elon Musk Backs FBI Probe Into OpenAI Whistleblower's Death Amid Parents' Allegations

Dec 30, 2024, 05:09 AM

The death of Suchir Balaji, a 26-year-old former OpenAI researcher and whistleblower, has sparked controversy and calls for further investigation. Balaji, who had accused OpenAI of violating copyright laws and raised ethical concerns about AI practices, was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on November 26, during his birthday week. The San Francisco medical examiner ruled his death a suicide, but his parents, Poornima Ramarao and Balaji Ramamurthy, have disputed this conclusion, citing evidence of a ransacked apartment, bloodstains, and signs of a struggle in the bathroom. They have hired a private investigator and conducted a second autopsy, which they claim contradicts the official findings. Balaji’s parents have called for an FBI investigation, arguing that local authorities lack the resources to handle the case. Elon Musk has publicly supported the family’s claims, stating, 'This doesn’t seem like a suicide.' Balaji’s death occurred just months after he resigned from OpenAI, citing ethical disagreements, and weeks before he was reportedly set to testify in legal proceedings, including a New York Times lawsuit, against the company. CCTV footage reportedly showed no other individuals present at the scene. His death has raised broader concerns about whistleblower protections and the ethical implications of AI development.