SINGAPORE — The homicide case theory put forth by the family of American Researcher Shane Todd is “entirely misplaced and unfounded”, Senior State Counsel Tai Wei Shyong said in closing submissions of the coroner’s inquiry into Todd’s death today (June 17). The 31-year-old was found hanged in his apartment in Chinatown on June 24 last year in an apparent suicide. His parents, Rick and Mary Todd, believe he was murdered over sensitive research work done at the Institute of Microelectronics (IME), where he was employed. Mr Tai said that Todd had made numerous suicide and depression related Internet searches on his laptop between March 10 and June 23 last year, including sites that provided instructions on how to commit suicide which showed that Todd was having “suicidal ideations”. Todd had also suffered from major depressive disorder which “was not treated adequately by medication”, Mr Tai said. There was also no evidence of foul play, possible suspect, and no “credible motive” for murder, he added. In their conditioned statements, Todd’s parents said that he had indicated to them that his life was in “some form of danger” and to call the United States Embassy if they did not hear from him. However, evidence given by Dr Nelson Lee — whom Todd sought medical treatment from — “suggests” that Todd “may have exaggerated” the problems and issues he was facing, Mr Tai submitted. He said: “In any event, such statements, even if they were made by Shane, are not inconsistent with suicide.” There is also no evidence from Todd’s parents or others that he made efforts to protect his safety by contacting the US Embassy or the police, he added. Mr Tai said: “The conspicuous absence of any evidence to support the Next-of-Kin’s homicide theory must be viewed in juxtaposition with the overwhelming evidence pointing inexorably towards suicide.” The Todd family also walked out of the 10-day Inquiry last month after a request for more time to examine evidence by Luis Alejandro Andro Montes — who is said to have seen Dr Todd the day before he was found hanged -- was rejected. His parents claimed they had never met Mr Montes. However, Mr Montes later testified that he had met Todd’s parents at a gathering shortly after Todd’s passing. Discharging themselves and their five lawyers from the Inquiry, the Todds later issued an open letter to “media outlets and elected officials.” The email sent by Todd’s father contained documents and photographs which made public — for the first time — pictures of Todd’s living room and the marks around his neck. State Coroner Chay Yuen Fatt will deliver a verdict on July 8.