Two Independent Forensic Toxicologists Challenge Evidence Supporting Suicide Ruling in Megan Trussell's Death

Following CBI review identifying unresolved evidence, family calls for new investigation and reconsideration of manner of death

BOULDER, Colo., October 16, 2026— Two independent forensic toxicologists have challenged whether the scientific evidence used to support the suicide ruling in the death of 18-year-old University of Colorado Boulder Freshman Megan Trussell establishes intentional self-harm, raising new questions about the official determination and prompting her family to renew calls for an independent investigation.

Trussell disappeared Feb. 9, 2025, and was found deceased six days later in Boulder Canyon. In an announcement of its ruling last year, Boulder County Coroner Jeff Martin stated, “Megan Trussell died as the result of the toxic effects of amphetamine, and exposure to a cold environment (hypothermia) contributed to her death. It is a further opinion that the manner of death is Suicide. Our opinion was based on several factors including but not limited to toxicology results and the presence of undigested prescription medication found during the examination.”

Independent reviews by forensic toxicologists Dr. Rakhshanda Ruby Javed and Dr. Curt Eugene Harper, Ph.D., F-ABFT, who have both reviewed the Coroner’s reports, now raise questions about whether the available toxicological evidence supports that classification.

"I cannot endorse the claim that the toxicological results or visual quantity of pill material scientifically establish intentional self-harm in this case. Confirmed amphetamine findings establish exposure; they do not establish the purpose of ingestion," said Dr. Javed.

Dr. Harper similarly concluded, "Although the toxicological findings provide important context, they do not definitively indicate suicide and are equally consistent with other potential manners of death, including accident, homicide (forced ingestion) or undetermined."

Dr. Javed's analysis references guidance from the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME), which distinguishes evidence of intentional ingestion from evidence of intent to cause self-harm.

“The NAME classification guide associates suicide with intentional self-inflicted harm. [While] intent may be inferred from circumstances, a toxic concentration and intentional swallowing do not themselves establish an intent to harm oneself. The guide permits circumstantial inference, but counsels against classification resting on speculation,” added Javed. “Absence of demonstrated assault does not, by itself, distinguish suicidal poisoning from unintentional poisoning or establish why Ms. Trussell entered the cold environment.”

In agreement, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment formally defines suicide as a "death caused by self-inflicted injury with the intent to die.”

Trussell’s family is asking the Boulder County Coroner to reconsider the suicide classification, citing that an undetermined manner of death would more accurately reflect the available evidence.

“The CBI report mentions suicide 10 times and homicide seven times, yet never once considers an accidental or undetermined manner of death,” said Joe Trussell, Megan’s father. “Why are we treating Megan’s death as a choice between suicide and homicide when other possibilities haven’t been ruled out? Our daughter deserves an investigation that follows the evidence wherever it leads, not one that limits the possibilities before all the facts are known.”

An undetermined classification would not establish an alternative cause or manner of death. Rather, it would recognize that the available evidence does not sufficiently support a definitive conclusion about intent.

CBI review identifies unresolved evidence and potential for further investigation

The toxicologists' findings follow a Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) review of the original investigation conducted by the Boulder County Sheriff's Office (BCSO). The report, released to Trussell’s family and the media simultaneously earlier this week, found the initial investigation “generally adequate” based on the information available at the time, but also included nearly 40 references to investigative shortcomings, opportunities for additional testing and areas where further investigation could help clarify the circumstances surrounding Trussell’s death.

“The review identified individual factual questions for which additional information or testing could provide greater certainty, including the evidentiary value of untested forensic items, digital records that were not obtained, and the precise circumstances associated with some of Megan’s property and physical injuries.”

The report also included a recommendation for additional consideration by BCSO:

“The CBI recommends that the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office review the findings and considerations contained in this letter in their entirety and determine what, if any, additional action is appropriate within its existing authority.”

The distinction between reviewing the adequacy of an earlier investigation and determining whether its conclusions remain justified in light of additional information is central to the family's renewed request. In light of the independent forensic findings and unresolved questions confirmed by CBI, Trussell's family is calling for a new investigation by an agency outside BCSO, including further examination of outstanding forensic evidence, digital records and the circumstances surrounding her death.

To support Megan Trussell’s family in their continued pursuit of answers and accountability, the public can contribute to the GoFundMe campaign (to fund additional forensic investigation) and sign the petition calling for the University of Colorado Boulder to fix the safety failures exposed by Trussell’s disappearance.

This release is courtesy of The Family of Megan Trussell.