Lahore Police have claimed to have solved the mystery surrounding the deaths of an American woman and her three children in Valencia Town, saying the woman allegedly poisoned her children before taking her own life, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday.
Police have also arrested two suspects accused of supplying the poisonous chemical used in the incident they added.
Speaking at a press conference, DIG Investigation Syed Zeeshan Raza said the arrested suspects include the owner of an online chemical shop and a delivery rider. According to the DIG, the shop owner was selling chemicals online.
The DIG said the American woman had a history of mental illness and had been searching online for ways to die. During the investigation, police found that she had contacted the chemical seller online and transferred Rs138,540 through MoneyGram to purchase the chemical.
According to police, the woman had travelled from the United States to Lahore with her husband, Nasir, and their three children. The family was living in a rented house in Valencia Town.
Investigators said the woman arranged for the parcel containing the chemical to be delivered to a friend's house. On July 16, she met her friend at a private pizza restaurant, where she received the parcel.
Police said that on July 17, the woman allegedly mixed potassium cyanide into ice cream and served it to her three children 15-year-old Rehan, 11-year-old Arisha, and 9-year-old Arsalan. The DIG said she later consumed the poisoned ice cream herself.
According to the investigation, the woman also allegedly attempted to give the poisoned ice cream to her husband, but he did not consume it.
DIG Zeeshan Raza said the woman's husband underwent a polygraph test and was thoroughly investigated. He added that forensic evidence and other findings indicated that the woman poisoned her children before taking her own life.
Police also announced the arrest of two suspects allegedly involved in supplying the chemical. The DIG said the arrests were made through technical investigation, professional policing, and the use of CCTV footage.
He said police would prepare a strong case in coordination with the prosecution to ensure the accused are brought to justice.
The DIG added that law enforcement agencies would continue taking strict action against criminal elements. He also announced cash rewards and commendation certificates for the police team that investigated and solved the case.
Reporter Ali Sahi