A 31-year-old man died from multiple self-inflicted sharp force injuries in downtown Los Angeles on March 7, according to a medical examiner's report. Ryan Dexter Sutherland was found with extensive injuries, including to his genitalia, neck, and arms.
The toxicology report revealed extremely high levels of methamphetamine and MDMA in Sutherland's system, described as potentially lethal amounts, though these substances were not listed as the cause of death. The medical examiner ruled the cause of death as suicide due to the severe trauma inflicted upon himself.
Officials responded to the scene near the intersection of Figueroa Street and Pico Boulevard, adjacent to the LA Convention Center, after a security guard at a nearby 7/11 called the police. They discovered Sutherland's blood-soaked clothing scattered on the sidewalk.
Sutherland used a non-serrated pocketknife, approximately two inches long, to inflict over 20 stab wounds. The report detailed a significant wound to his genitalia that spanned nearly a foot in circumference, resulting in the "degloving" of his penis and exposure of his testes. Fatal injuries were attributed to wounds on his neck, which damaged his jugular vein and trachea, and to an artery and vein in his right arm.
Described as a 5-foot-11, 264-pound Black man with a shaved scalp, brown eyes, and a mustache and goatee, Sutherland was identified by his fingerprints. His aunt informed police that he had no prior history of suicidal threats or attempts but had a documented history of illicit drug use and had previously attended rehabilitation. Sutherland also reportedly suffered from ADHD. Studies indicate that methamphetamine users face a significantly higher risk of suicide compared to the general population.
