Psychological Autopsy Reveals Zara Qairina’s Death Was Consistent With Taking Her Own Life, Forensic Expert Tells Court

Last year, a Form 1 student was found unconscious in a drain near the girls’ dormitory of her school in Papar, Sabah. It was believed at the time that she had fallen from the third floor.

The investigation into the death of the late Zara Qairina has been ongoing, with recent developments revealing that the circumstances are most consistent with suicide.

“Zara Qairina’s autopsy showed clear suicide risk factors”

According to Harian Metro, forensic psychiatry consultant Dr Chua Sze Hung told the Coroner’s Court today (2 April) that a psychological autopsy indicated the victim displayed clear suicide risk factors. These factors reportedly outweighed any protective factors present at the time of the incident.

As the 67th witness, Dr Chua confirmed he had prepared, signed, and sealed an 84-page psychiatric report dated 2 February for the court. The report focused on the likelihood of suicide and the specific circumstances surrounding the 13-year-old’s death.

Evidence of emotional distress

“There is information showing emotional disturbance, extreme anger, self-harming behaviour, unstable interpersonal relationships, and a fear of abandonment. However, this is not enough to make a retrospective diagnosis of a personality disorder,” Dr Chua stated.

He explained that his findings were based on a comprehensive review of Zara Qairina’s diary, the incident location, the autopsy report by forensic pathology consultant Dr Jessie Hiu, and various counselling reports.

His investigation also included visits to her dormitory and room, as well as interviews with family members, staff at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) Tun Datu Mustapha, and her former primary school.

Predisposition and triggers

Dr Chua noted that the victim exhibited several suicide risk factors even before enrolling at SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha.

“Although there were signs of depression, I do not believe the victim suffered from a serious mental illness that could have been diagnosed before the incident,” he added.

“The combination of predisposition factors and triggers suggests that her final act was most likely an attempt to end her suffering during a period of acute stress, impaired judgement, and reduced access to normal protective mechanisms, rather than a carefully planned act.”

You do not have to struggle with difficult feelings alone. If you’re feeling distressed, depressed, or suicidal, know that help and support are always available.

These helplines are there to help when you’re feeling down or desperate:

You do not have to struggle with difficult feelings alone. If you’re feeling distressed, depressed, or suicidal, know that help and support are always available. 

These helplines are there to help when you’re feeling down or desperate:

Also read: Expert Confirms Authenticity of Zara Qairina’s 51-Page Diary Detailing Bullying & Sexual Harassment