Mirna could not have died of natural food toxins: Witness

A toxicology expert from the National Police's criminal investigation department, Sr. Comr. Nursamran Subandi, called as a witness in the trial against murder suspect Jessica Kumala Wongso, said Wayan Mirna Salihin could not have died of natural food toxins.

In a hearing on Wednesday, Jessica's lawyer Otto Hasibuan said that, according to the police examination report, Mirna had eaten apple for breakfast on the day of her death.

Cassava and apple only contained small doses of cyanide, so it was unlikely that Mirna died because of such food, said Nursamran, adding that Mirna would have to have eaten sacks of cassava to be poisoned by cyanide from cassava.

"In this case, Mirna could not have died due to cyanide from food substances. A forensic doctor has even indicated corrosive substances in her gastric tract," Nursamran said, adding that the doctor had found 0.2 milligrams of cyanide in Mirna's duodenum.

Meanwhile, Nursamran admitted that he could not find cyanide substance in Mirna's liver, urine and bile. He also could not find thiocyanate, the substance which indicates someone is poisoned by cyanide.

"The dose of cyanide in Mirna's body is too great. Her body has not had time to create the thiocyanate, as she has instantly passed away," Nursamran said.

In leftover of Vietnamese coffee, Nursamran found 297.6 milligram per liter of cyanide. This dose doubled the lethal dose of Mirna, whose weight was around 60 kilograms, which is 171.42 milligram per liter.

Nursamran also estimated that with one normal slurp, Mirna could slurp around 20 milliliters of coffee. (bbn)

Source: Mirna could not have died of natural food toxins: Witness