Klamath Falls man accused of planning mass suicide

The Oregonian ^ | 2-11-2005 | JOE ROJAS-BURKE

[Cagey]

Sheriff's deputies have arrested a Klamath Falls man who they said used an Internet chat room to lure at least 32 people into planning a mass suicide for Valentine's Day.

Gerald Krien, 26, faces charges of solicitation to commit murder, said Klamath County Sheriff Tim Evinger. Detectives learned of the plan from a woman in Canada who said she was going to take part in the suicide but had second thoughts when another chat room participant talked about killing her two children.

Evinger said the chat room participants planned to log on on Valentine's Day and simultaneously commit suicide.

"Based on the person who gave us the tip, we believe it to be very credible," Evinger said. "It's too early to tell what the motive might be. He was potentially seeking individuals with the same ideology about suicide as he had."

Sheriff's detectives took Krien's computer and are seeking evidence that might lead them to the identities of all involved. Evinger said he has asked for help from the FBI, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

"My priority and the priority of investigators right now is to identify anyone who might be in danger and get them any help that they may need," Evinger said.

Deputies arrested Krien on Wednesday. He was held without bail at the Klamath County Jail, awaiting a grand jury hearing.

[theDentist]

Isn't this the place with a problem regarding water for farmers, and a dam that had been built?

[Martin Tell]

I wanna know how it's possible to get people to do things like commit mass suicide.

I can't even get my kids to clean up their rooms.

[countrydummy]

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG!

[evolved_rage]

This might be a "Just...Dam" ping. LOL.

[Jersey Republican Biker Chick]

I saw this on the news this morning. This guy looks like one of those cult leader types with the real freaky eyes.

[frogjerk]

Damn government. What's the problem if people want to commit suicide? The Feds are taking away their right to die! - sarcasm

[randog]

I take it he couldn't get a date for Valentine's Day?

[Bigg Red]

Scary, isn't it? How can you have that many luntics on the same wavelength?

[thoughtomator]

Pic of the suspect:

[martin_fierro]

Gerald Krien

[evets]

[NonValueAdded]

More likely he was a sicko who wanted to get off on the thought that people were dying at his command.

[no more apples]

ping

[twigs]

LOL. I know this is serious, but you're so right. It's also the reason I just can't take big conspiracies too seriously. All I have to do is look at my child and wonder who and how could do all that.

[JennysCool]

So is DU still open, or did they close it?

[zygoat]

Hey DU, are you reading this? I'd say sometime around the beginning of November in 2006 might be a good time to consider this option. With Dean at the helm, you're only gonna be afflicted with that dastardly P.E.S.T. again, so why deal with it?

[Hudobna]

HOLY GOD! What do people have in their heads? If you think about it, it's even crazier than Islamic suiciders. Well, I mean crazier, but not worse, because these people only kill themselves. But they do it coldly, planning it like a reunion party. At least the Muzzies have the attenuating circumstances of blind fury, and education of rage, a socio-political backdrop (The president of the Association of Arab Psychologists is a big fan of jihadi suicide)... but these people, living in realities that would be Shangrià to 75% of the people of the world, they make pondered choices... they are physically healthy.
???

[COEXERJ145]

I'd bet that this loser had no intention of killing himself but was going to see how many idiots he could convince to off themselves.