Prosecution Addresses Family Poisoning Incident in Goris

On July 6, 2024, at 01:35, the Goris division of the Armenian National Police reported to the Goris Investigative Division of the Regional Investigative Committee of Syunik that the "Goris Medical Center" LLC had confirmed that seven individuals were transferred by ambulance from the Shinuhr community in Tatev, diagnosed with "acute exogenous poisoning" between 22:00 and 05:00 on July 7. Among the transferred were two adults, a 34-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, who are married, as well as five children aged from a few months to 12 years old. The condition of two of the children was reported as extremely serious.

Later, the medical center announced that one of the children, a 4-year-old, who had been in critical condition, had passed away. Preliminary investigations revealed that the family's health began to deteriorate around 20:00 on July 5, after having dinner together.

In response to the report, on July 6, 2024, an investigation was initiated under Part 2, Clause 2 of Article 412 of the Criminal Code of Armenia in the Goris Investigative Division of the Regional Investigative Committee of Syunik. The husband and wife were interrogated, providing matching testimonies. Initial findings suggest that the health decline of family members occurred after consuming meat and sausages bought from stores in Shinuhr and Goris, along with fruits and berries consumed by the children.

Searches were conducted at the scene and relevant shops, and samples of food, water, and other necessary items were collected for examination. A forensic analysis has been ordered, along with medical and post-mortem examinations. The police have been tasked with conducting operational-investigative measures to acquire further information pertinent to the investigation.

The parents have been discharged from the hospital, while the four children continue to remain under medical supervision, with one having been transferred to a medical center in Yerevan.

Notice: A person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a legally binding court verdict in accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code of Armenia.