An American man has been arrested after allegedly trying to arrange a mass online suicide pact for Valentine's Day on Monday. Gerald Krien, 26, was caught after one woman alerted authorities after hearing one of those planning to take part talking about killing her children.
Krien, of Klamath Falls in Oregon, had apparently recruited more than 30 people to take part in the pact, which had been arranged through chatrooms. Police are now trying to trace some of those involved in an attempt to make sure they are safe.
The man has been charged with solicitation to commit attempted murder and could face up to 30 years in jail if he is found guilty. He is being held on $100,000 bail. Klamath County Sheriff, Captain Chris Montenaro, said: "There is no evidence of a religious or cult following with this group."
View: Reuters coverage
