Overview

• San Francisco authorities previously concluded Balaji died by suicide from a self-inflicted gunshot, with toxicology noting alcohol, amphetamines and GHB.
• OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently described the death as suicide, a characterization the family rejects in new interviews.
• Poornima Ramarao cites a private autopsy alleging an atypical wound trajectory and previously unreported injuries such as gum lacerations, tongue burns and a hole in the mouth.
• The family also alleges building security lapses, saying an elevator camera was disconnected a week before his death and that key surveillance coverage was missing.
• Balaji had raised copyright concerns about OpenAI and his mother plans to press for stronger whistleblower safeguards at a congressional briefing on September 17.