A chilling scheme in Wisconsin has led to the arrest of a couple accused of attempting to poison multiple women using cyanide. Paul Van Duyne, 43, and Andrea Whitaker, 41, are now facing serious charges, including attempted murder and other felonies.
Their alleged plot to poison Van Duyne’s ex-girlfriends using cyanide has not only shocked the community but also involved a multi-agency investigation that resulted in several law enforcement agents being hospitalized due to exposure to dangerous substances.
The Disturbing Plot Unfolds
According to prosecutors, the disturbing series of events began when Van Duyne allegedly tried to kill two of his ex-girlfriends by poisoning them with cyanide. Whitaker, who had recently started dating Van Duyne, is said to have helped him with the planning and cover-up.
She reportedly aided him by using her knowledge in pharmacology to figure out how to effectively use the poison. Evidence presented in court revealed Whitaker’s troubling internet searches, which included inquiries such as “What does cyanide look like?”, “Cyanide lethal dose?”, and “Does potassium cyanide cloud water?”
Authorities say that Van Duyne’s actions involved a mix of cyanide and valium to poison his targets, and he allegedly sought Whitaker’s help to execute his plan. It was revealed that she had assisted in figuring out how to deliver the poison, including through water bottles and air vents.
Investigation and Hazmat Exposure
The investigation, which spanned over a month, involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Wisconsin National Guard, along with local police departments.
Seven investigators from the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Department of Criminal Investigation were hospitalized after exposure to dangerous chemicals while executing search warrants at various locations connected to Van Duyne and Whitaker.
The toxic substances found during the investigation were serious enough to put the lives of the agents at risk.
Poisoning Attempts on Victims
The authorities uncovered several instances where Van Duyne allegedly poisoned his victims. One victim, a woman in Middleton, Wisconsin, noticed a strange taste in a water bottle she had left in her car. Upon testing, the water bottle was found to contain cyanide.
Another woman in Rock County reported seeing a powdery substance in her car and later fell ill after drinking from a water bottle she had kept inside.
Both women had previously gone on dates with Van Duyne. Investigators believe that while Van Duyne may have physically placed the cyanide in the water bottles and air vents, Whitaker played a crucial role in planning the attacks.
Arrests and Charges
Van Duyne was arrested in Rock County after being tracked to the home of one of his alleged victims. According to authorities, he had been planning to return to the woman’s house after his alleged poisoning attempt, which prompted his arrest.
Whitaker, who was arrested separately, faces charges of harboring a felon and attempted first-degree murder. Her bond was set at $750,000, and she was ordered not to have any contact with Van Duyne. Both suspects are scheduled to appear in court soon.
The case of Paul Van Duyne and Andrea Whitaker is a shocking reminder of the dangers of toxic substances and the extreme lengths some people will go to carry out a sinister plot.
While both suspects are facing serious charges, the investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to uncover new details about their involvement in these crimes. The poisoning attempts, which endangered multiple lives, have led to a complicated legal battle that will likely continue to unfold in the coming months.
