A disturbing case in Wisconsin has led to the arrest of Paul Van Duyne, 43, and Andrea Whitaker, 41, who are accused of attempting to poison Van Duyne’s ex-girlfriends using cyanide. Their alleged actions sparked a multiagency investigation that became even more complicated when several law enforcement agents were hospitalized after exposure to toxic substances during searches.
The Poison Plot and Investigation
Van Duyne and Whitaker were charged with several felonies related to a complex plot to harm Van Duyne’s ex-girlfriends. Van Duyne faces charges of stalking and two counts of attempted first-degree murder, while Whitaker is charged with harboring a felon and one count of attempted first-degree murder. The investigation, which has been ongoing for over a month, involves multiple agencies, including the FBI, Wisconsin National Guard, and local law enforcement from Middleton, Rock County, and Janesville.
According to Assistant District Attorney William Brown, Van Duyne attempted to kill two of his former romantic partners by poisoning them with cyanide, enlisting Whitaker to assist him in covering up the evidence. In Whitaker’s bail hearing, Brown presented evidence of her search history, which included alarming inquiries about cyanide, such as “What does cyanide look like?” and “Cyanide lethal dose?”
Cyanide Poisoning Attempts and the Targets
Brown detailed the horrifying attempts on the lives of Van Duyne’s ex-girlfriends. One woman, after leaving a Costco in Middleton, returned to her car and drank from a water bottle she had left in the vehicle. She immediately noticed a strange taste and spit out the liquid. A subsequent test of the water bottle revealed it contained cyanide.
In another incident, a woman in Rock County became ill after drinking from a water bottle found in her car, which also contained cyanide. Brown emphasized that both women had previously dated Van Duyne. It is alleged that Van Duyne put cyanide into their water bottles and possibly even placed cyanide powder in car air vents.
Brown also stated that Whitaker, who has a background in pharmacology, was likely the mastermind behind the plot, helping Van Duyne figure out how to carry out the poisonings. Van Duyne’s arrest came after he showed up at the home of one of the women he allegedly targeted, forcing law enforcement to intervene.
Toxic Exposure to Law Enforcement
The investigation took a dramatic turn when several agents from the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Department of Criminal Investigation were hospitalized after being exposed to the toxic substances found during searches of multiple locations tied to Van Duyne and Whitaker. Seven agents were affected, underscoring the dangerous nature of the chemicals involved.
The Arrests and Legal Proceedings
Van Duyne was arrested on Sunday in Rock County after being tracked to the home of one of his alleged victims. Authorities revealed that while Van Duyne was in jail, he called Whitaker, asking her to retrieve evidence, including a laptop and potentially poisonous substances, from his home.
Both suspects are now in custody. Whitaker’s bond was set at $750,000, and she was ordered not to have any contact with Van Duyne. Their cases continue to unfold, with both suspects scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
The charges against Paul Van Duyne and Andrea Whitaker reveal a chilling plot to poison two women using cyanide. The investigation, involving multiple agencies, has highlighted the serious dangers posed by the use of toxic substances and has resulted in hospitalizations for law enforcement agents. As both suspects await further court proceedings, the full extent of their alleged actions is still being uncovered.
