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Yesterday The Australian reported that the father in the suspected murder-suicide had made contact with well-known euthanasia group Exit International and obtained their e-book which details how to use carbon monoxide as a means of suicide.
The organisation’s founder Philip Nitschke, ofter referred to as ‘Dr Death’, said his group “had some contact” with Fernanado Manrique.
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However Nitschke has since told Fairfax he made a mistake, claiming that after checking the database it was actually a different man with the same surname who contacted them about the book.
Initial reports from The Australian claimed Manrique had contacted Exit International and had access to the handbook, referring to The Peaceful Pill e-handbook, which details how to use carbon monoxide as a means of suicide.
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“We had some contact with them, so we know all about it,” Dr Nitschke said. “I didn’t personally talk to them, but they had access to the book.”
“They knew about carbon monoxide. But it wasn’t the case that they were coming to meetings.”
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“I mean, people buy the book and we don’t get to know them. And obviously this is a tragedy, although that sounds like I’m critical of them, which I’m not.”
The Australian is currently seeking to verify reports.
Police are still investigating the deaths after Manrique, 44, his wife Maria Claudia Lutz, 43, and the couple’s two children Martin, 10, and Eliza, 11 along with their family dog were all found dead inside the home on Monday October 17.
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