Wisconsin Couple Charged in Cyanide Poisoning Plot

A couple from Wisconsin has been arrested and charged in connection with a scheme to poison two women using cyanide. The investigation, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, revealed that the suspects created and attempted to deploy lethal poisons targeting women who were former girlfriends of one of the defendants.

Prosecutors allege that Paul VanDuyne and Andrea Whitaker orchestrated an elaborate plan to murder these women. Last month, VanDuyne allegedly tampered with one woman’s water bottle in a Middleton Costco parking lot, contaminating it with cyanide. Although she initially didn’t notice anything wrong, she later found the water tasted strange. When she subsequently brought the bottle to police, tests confirmed the presence of cyanide.

Another woman in Rock County was hospitalized after drinking contaminated water found in her car post-gym visit. Both victims had briefly dated VanDuyne, and authorities suspect the poisonings were part of a premeditated effort to cause harm.

Authorities believe VanDuyne was trying to assist Whitaker in covering up evidence. VanDuyne was arrested after he attempted to contact a third victim last weekend. During his detention, he called Whitaker to have items removed from his residence. Police found multiple messages between the two discussing different poisons on her phone.

Investigators have revealed that Whitaker’s online searches included phrases like “Does potassium cyanide cloud water?” and “Sodium cyanide odor,” indicating prior research into deadly substances. Searches also covered topics such as “What does cyanide look like?” and “Cyanide lethal.”

The suspects face multiple charges including attempted homicide, aggravated battery, reckless endangerment, and stalking, all involving a dangerous weapon. The case involved seven agencies, including the Wisconsin Department of Justice and the FBI, highlighting the seriousness of the threat posed by their actions.