A Wisconsin couple, Paul VanDuyne Jr. (43) and Andrea Whitaker (41), have been charged with attempted murder for allegedly trying to poison two women whom VanDuyne dated after meeting them online. Both face charges including aggravated battery and stalking, with bail set at $10 million for VanDuyne and $4 million for Whitaker. In court, one victim described an alarming encounter with Whitaker in her garage, indicating the couple harbored delusions about their relationship with her.
The incidents came to light when one victim, hospitalized with thallium poisoning, alerted authorities. Thallium is a toxic substance banned for household use due to its dangerous potential. Investigators connected VanDuyne to the poisonings through texts where he called the victim “evil” and asserted she caused Whitaker’s emotional distress.
The Rock County victim, who was severely affected and still uses a wheelchair due to the poisoning, experienced illness after a movie outing with her younger sister. Analysis of her vehicle uncovered hydrogen sulfide, a harmful gas. The second victim, based in Dane County, reported her experience with tainted bottled water and several vehicle break-ins linked to VanDuyne.
Together, VanDuyne and Whitaker orchestrated a series of poisoning attempts using substances like cyanide, thallium, and abrin. Evidence found in VanDuyne’s vehicle and home included various vials and tools for producing the poisonous substances. Their joint plotting has raised alarm in the community, leading the victims to seek enhanced security measures and legal protection. Both defendants are scheduled for further court appearances to face the serious charges against them.
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