A teenage student in the US has been killed after her boyfriend allegedly gave her a lethal injection in what was reported to be "an attempt to commit suicide together".
Salt Lake City Police (SLCP) were alerted by the University of Utah Police to a suspected suicide or homicide case on Friday morning.
An email sent from a student, 26-year-old Haoyu Wang, to a member of university staff stated that he had given his girlfriend an injection of heroin "to relieve her from suffering" and said that both of them would be found dead by the time someone arrived.
SLCP pinged the victim's phone at approximately 6 am and arrived at the scene, where they conducted a welfare check.
They called to a hotel room registered to Mr Wang, where they discovered the victim and suspect.
The 19-year-old woman was found dead, and Mr Wang was taken into police custody.
In a statement of probable cause, Mr Wang said he and his girlfriend had entered into a suicide pact and that he had ordered the drugs from the "darknet".
He said the couple had "intended to commit suicide together," but after a failed attempt, he injected his girlfriend with the "intent to kill her and relieve her suffering."
The international student from China said he then injected himself and remained with the victim until police arrived.
Mr Wang and the woman had been in a romantic relationship and they lived together.
In a statement, SLCPD said: "As such, this case is being investigated as a domestic violence-related homicide."
According to The Salt Lake Tribune, court records show the suspect was charged with one count of assault for domestic violence in January.
Mr Wang was arrested on suspicion of murder in the Salt Lake County Metro Jail.
The victim has been identified as Zhifan Dong, a Chinese international student.
The university said in a statement: "The death of any young person embarking on adult life is devastating. And, unfortunately, domestic violence is more prevalent than many of us are aware, even among college students,
"On behalf of the university, we extend our heartfelt grief and sympathy to the family, friends and classmates of the victim during this incredibly difficult time."
They have also offered resources to students on campus affected by the woman's death.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the issues raised in this article please contact:
Samaritans helpline 116 123
Aware helpline 1800 80 48 48
Pieta House on 1800 247 247
