In a disturbing case that has shocked Wisconsin, a couple is suspected of organizing a deadly poisoning scheme involving cyanide. Authorities believe Paul Van Duyne, 43, and Andrea Whitaker, 41, conspired to murder two of Van Duyne’s ex-girlfriends, triggering a huge investigation by state and federal authorities.
The two people are now in Dane County Jail and face various felony counts. Van Duyne has been charged with stalking and two counts of attempted first-degree murder. Prosecutors describe Whitaker as “the brains” of the scheme. He is charged with helping a felon and attempted murder.
The case came to light after unsettling instances were recorded in several Wisconsin locations, including Middleton and Janesville. Seven state detectives were ill after being exposed to poisonous substances discovered during searches of three distinct places linked to the suspects.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice, the FBI, the Wisconsin National Guard, and various local police departments are now involved in the ongoing investigation.
According to Assistant District Attorney William Brown, Whitaker’s internet search history revealed disturbing patterns, with terms like “What does cyanide look like?”, “Cyanide lethal dose?”, and “Does potassium cyanide cloud water?” appearing repeatedly.
When one of Van Duyne’s alleged victims went to her car in a Middleton Costco parking lot, she found it surrounded by strangers. After taking a sip from the water bottle she had left inside, she tasted something strange and spit it out. Later lab tests proved that the container contained cyanide.
In another case, a woman in Janesville was hospitalized after drinking from a water bottle containing a powdered material. Cyanide was once again found. According to investigators, both women had previously dated Van Duyne.
Brown claimed that Van Duyne not only put cyanide in water bottles, but also attempted to poison through car air vents. He believes Whitaker, who studied pharmacology, may have investigated and planned the poisoned procedures.
Following his arrest in Rock County, Van Duyne allegedly phoned Whitaker from jail and asked her to gather evidence from his home, including a laptop and potentially dangerous chemicals. Authorities then executed search warrants at their houses and another address linked to a previous restraining order.
During Whitaker’s court appearance, Brown emphasized her active role in the conspiracy, citing her education and extensive research into lethal chemicals.
The court placed Whitaker’s bond at $750,000 and banned her from contacting Van Duyne. Both suspects are expected back in court on Friday as police work to piece together the entire magnitude of the scheme.
