An external examination did not reveal any abnormal findings except for markedly red-purple postmortem lividity; an internal examination showed no pathological changes except the signs of death. Toxicological investigation using gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry revealed nicotine in the solution which she had taken orally and in the victim's blood, urine, and stomach and small intestine contents. The nicotine concentrations there were 6.3 ug/ml, 30 ug/ml, and 71 ug/ml, respectively, enough to cause death. 2 figures and 17 references