Wisconsin Couple Tried to Poison Exes With Cyanide: Prosecutors
A Wisconsin couple is facing serious charges after allegedly conspiring to poison two women with cyanide, both of whom had previously dated the male suspect. The disturbing case has sparked a sweeping investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies — and resulted in several investigators being hospitalized due to chemical exposure.
Paul Van Duyne, 43, and Andrea Whitaker, 41, are currently being held in the Dane County Jail. Van Duyne faces charges including stalking and two counts of attempted first-degree intentional homicide. Whitaker is charged with attempted homicide, as well as aiding and harboring a felon.
Authorities say Van Duyne attempted to kill two of his ex-girlfriends by tampering with water bottles and air vents in their cars using cyanide. At least one of the women noticed a strange taste in her water and spat it out. Testing later confirmed the presence of cyanide. Another woman, in Rock County, was hospitalized after discovering powder in her vehicle and becoming sick.
During a bail hearing, prosecutors revealed that Whitaker had searched terms like “cyanide lethal dose” and “what does cyanide look like?” online. Assistant District Attorney William Brown described Whitaker as “the brains of the operation,” noting her pharmacology background. He also alleged that she tried to help Van Duyne destroy evidence after his arrest.
Authorities executed search warrants at three locations linked to the couple, including their residences. Seven agents from the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Criminal Investigation Division were hospitalized after being exposed to hazardous substances during these searches.
Van Duyne was arrested after he was found at the home of one of the alleged victims, violating a restraining order. While in jail, he reportedly called Whitaker and asked her to retrieve potentially incriminating materials from his home — including a laptop and toxic substances.
Whitaker’s bond was set at $750,000. Both are due back in court Friday, as the investigation — involving the FBI, Wisconsin National Guard, and multiple local police departments — continues to unfold.
