Wisconsin Couple Charged in Alleged Cyanide Poisoning Plot
MADISON, WI – A disturbing case of alleged attempted homicide has emerged in Wisconsin, where a man and woman are facing serious charges in connection with a plot to poison the man’s ex-girlfriends using cyanide.
Arrests Spark Hazmat Investigation
Paul Van Duyne, 37, and Andrea Whitaker, 31, were arrested this week, prompting a hazmat investigation across multiple locations in Madison, according to reports from WMTV. Van Duyne is facing charges of stalking and attempted homicide, while Whitaker has been charged with harboring or aiding a felon and attempting to conceal evidence.
During a bail hearing for Whitaker, Dane County Deputy District Attorney William Brown revealed some unsettling details of the case. “It appears that this defendant and Mr. Van Duyne have initiated a scheme to eliminate his former partners by poisoning them with cyanide,” he stated.
Origin of the Investigation
The investigation, which began approximately a month ago, was triggered when a woman encountered suspicious individuals around her vehicle at a Costco parking lot in Middleton. After being informed that someone had broken into her car, the woman took a sip from a water bottle but immediately rejected it due to an unusual taste. A similar incident occurred weeks later, which led her to contact law enforcement after noticing an odd smell emanating from the water bottle. Subsequent analysis confirmed the presence of cyanide.
Police linked these incidents to Van Duyne, whose pattern of behavior included another instance that resulted in a woman being hospitalized in Rock County. Both victims had previously dated him.
Investigative Findings
Further probing revealed that Whitaker had conducted online searches related to cyanide around the time she and Van Duyne discussed their alleged plots. Notably, Whitaker has a background in pharmacology, raising concerns about her expertise in creating toxic substances. Prosecutor Brown remarked that while Van Duyne was likely the individual placing cyanide in the victims’ vehicles, “Whitaker appears to be the operational mastermind behind the scheme.”
During the investigation, Van Duyne’s vehicle was traced to various locations, including the Costco parking lot and the residence of one of the victims. Following an incident where police intervened at the victim’s home, Van Duyne’s arrest seemed imminent. Reports indicate that upon his detention, he called Whitaker from jail, allegedly instructing her to dispose of evidence from his residence.
Ongoing Investigations
Authorities executed search warrants at three locations, which led to seven state agents being hospitalized due to potential exposure to hazardous materials. Whitaker was assigned a bond of $750,000 and has been instructed to avoid contact with Van Duyne if released. Both are expected to appear in court for further proceedings on Friday.
This developing story continues to unfold as investigators assess the full extent of the plot and any additional potential victims.
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