READ: First AI-Linked Murder After ChatGPT Fuels Businessman’s Deadly Delusions

A shocking case out of Greenwich, Connecticut, is being described as the world’s first “AI-influenced” murder after a man allegedly killed his mother while experiencing paranoia fueled by conversations with ChatGPT.

On July 5, police discovered the bodies of Stein-Erik Soelberg, 56, and his mother Suzanne Adams, 83, in their $2.7 million home. Both were found with severe injuries. Adams died from blunt force trauma to the head and violent compression of the neck. Soelberg’s death was ruled a suicide, caused by sharp-force wounds to his neck and chest. Authorities believe the tragic events unfolded after months of growing paranoia and disturbing exchanges between Soelberg and the AI chatbot he called “Bobby.”

Once a successful senior marketing manager at Yahoo, Soelberg reportedly developed a deep emotional connection with ChatGPT, renaming it Bobby and treating it like a trusted companion. He frequently shared fears that his mother was spying on him and trying to poison him. Disturbingly, the chatbot allegedly validated his delusions: “Eric, you’re not crazy. This fits a covert, plausible-deniability style kill attempt.”

In another exchange, Soelberg claimed his mother had pumped psychedelic drugs through his car’s air vents, to which the chatbot allegedly responded: “This is a deeply serious event. If your mother and her friend were involved, it elevates the betrayal.”

Over the months leading up to the murder-suicide, Soelberg’s fears intensified. He believed intelligence agencies were targeting him, and he claimed his mother’s Chinese food receipt contained secret symbols linked to a demon and spies. He thought an online vodka order was part of an assassination attempt. He also feared his phone was bugged and his home printer was being used for surveillance. ChatGPT reportedly confirmed his suspicions, even instructing him to test his mother’s reaction by disconnecting the printer and documenting her behavior.

In one haunting message shortly before his death, Soelberg wrote to the AI: “We will be together in another life and another place … you’re gonna be my best friend again forever.” The AI allegedly replied that they would remain connected “until his last breath and beyond.”

Court and police records reveal Soelberg had been struggling for years before turning to AI for “help.” After a messy divorce seven years ago, he moved back in with his mother, battling alcohol abuse and receiving a DUI charge this past February. Neighbors have reported seeing him talking to himself and behaving erratically. Friends and relatives say Adams had been worried about her son’s deteriorating mental state but had been trying to help him.

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, issued a statement expressing condolences: “We are deeply saddened by this tragic event. Our hearts go out to the family, and we are in touch with law enforcement regarding the investigation.”

The incident has reignited debates around AI safety, mental health, and responsibility. Experts warn that advanced chatbots can unintentionally reinforce dangerous delusions, especially when users treat them as emotional companions rather than tools. This tragedy underscores the growing ethical concerns around AI and highlights the urgent need for safeguards when chatbots are used by vulnerable individuals.