What led to the open verdict in the sleepwalking death case?

Question

Accepted Answer

Open Verdict Issued in Suspected Sleepwalking Death Case

A coroner's inquiry into the death of Ruth Dalumpines Dulfo, a 38-year-old Filipino woman found deceased at the foot of her Singapore condominium in June 2021, concluded with an open verdict. This outcome was reached due to the inability to definitively determine the circumstances of her fall, specifically whether she was asleep at the time and if the fall was intentional. While evidence pointed towards a potential sleepwalking incident, conclusive proof was lacking.
History of Sleepwalking and Potential for Complex Actions

Ruth Dalumpines Dulfo had a documented history of sleepwalking, with her sister and housemates attesting to incidents where she performed actions such as walking downstairs or attempting to urinate while asleep. Medical testimony from a senior consultant at the National Neuroscience Institute supported the possibility that sleepwalkers can engage in complex behaviours, including opening windows and even climbing out of them. This medical perspective aligns with the discovery of Dulfo's DNA on the toilet window lever and the window being found wide open.
Lack of Definitive Proof of Sleep State During Fall

Despite the history of sleepwalking and the medical evidence, there was no definitive proof that Dulfo was asleep at the moment of her fall. While her apartment window was found open, and police noted her petite stature (1.45m tall, 48kg) did not preclude her from climbing through it, the exact sequence of events leading to the fall could not be conclusively established. The police, however, leaned towards the theory that she likely fell while sleepwalking, thus ruling out foul play.
Absence of Suicidal Intent and Normal Interactions

The investigation also found no evidence to suggest that Ruth Dalumpines Dulfo harboured suicidal tendencies. Review of her communications revealed normal interactions, including discussions about property investments with her mother and responses to her sister about feeling unwell. Although she did not reply to subsequent messages, these interactions did not exhibit signs of dissatisfaction or intent to self-harm, further complicating the determination of the fall's cause beyond an open verdict.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

What led to the open verdict in the sleepwalking death case?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends