Paul Van Duyne and Andrea Whitaker mugshots
Share this @internewscast.com

A couple from Wisconsin has been charged in a scheme to kill two women using cyanide, with several investigators involved in the case needing hospitalization after exposure to the poison, prosecutors and reports reveal. 

Paul VanDuyne and Andrea Whitaker allegedly concocted poisons in an intricate plan targeting two of VanDuyne’s ex-girlfriends, according to the Wisconsin Justice Department.

It is claimed by prosecutors that VanDuyne broke into a woman’s vehicle at a Costco parking lot in Middleton last month, contaminating her water bottle with cyanide. Upon discovering people near her car suggesting it had been tampered with, she noticed nothing amiss initially, though Fox 47 reported she later found the water’s taste unusual.

Paul Van Duyne and Andrea Whitaker mugshots

Paul VanDuyne and Andrea Whitaker (Dane County Sheriff’s Office)

VanDuyne was arrested Sunday after the hazmat-linked investigations and after authorities caught him allegedly trying to help cover up evidence.

Police had been monitoring VanDuyne but were forced to move quickly when he tried to contact the Rock County woman last weekend. He was arrested and booked Sunday.

While in jail, VanDuyne called Whitaker and asked her to remove items from his house, prosecutors said.  

Agents intercepted her leaving with her belongings. When searching her phone, they found multiple messages between the couple discussing different poisons. Prosecutors believe the pair were planning to murder VanDuyne’s ex-girlfriends with poison.

At least seven state investigators on the case have been hospitalized for possible exposure to the poison, WISN.com reported. 

Do Not Cross police line

A Wisconsin couple have been charged in a plot to allegedly kill two women with cyanide. And several investigators tracking the pair were hospitalized after coming into contact with the poison, according to prosecutors and reports. (iStock)

The outlet reported that Dane County Assistant District Attorney William Brown revealed Whitaker’s online history included searches for “Does potassium cyanide cloud water?” and “Sodium cyanide odor, sodium cyanide.”

Searches also included “What does cyanide look like?” and “Cyanide lethal,” he said. 

VanDuyne and Whitaker face charges in Rock County of attempted homicide, aggravated battery, reckless endangerment and stalking — all involving a dangerous weapon.

In Dane County, VanDuyne faces more charges for attempted homicide and stalking, while Whitaker is also accused of helping him and trying to cover it up.

Seven agencies were involved in the investigation, including the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation, the Rock County Sheriff’s Office, the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratories and the FBI.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Alaska pilot seeks SCOTUS relief in case in which three beer cases led to forfeiture of $95k plane

Alaska Pilot Appeals to Supreme Court Over $95K Plane Forfeiture Stemming from Three Beer Cases

An 82-year-old bush pilot from Alaska is taking his legal battle to…
The 22-day government shutdown is now the second-longest in US history

Historic Standoff: Unpacking the 22-Day Government Shutdown and Its Impact

The longest government shutdown on record spanned 35 days during the first…
Illegal immigrant trucker accused in fatal California crash released by Biden admin after 2022 border crossing

Immigrant Trucker Involved in Fatal California Accident Released by Biden Administration Following 2022 Border Entry

A 21-year-old man from India, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2022…
Melodee Buzzard: Timeline of investigation into missing 9-year-old girl from Santa Barbara, California

Investigative Timeline: The Disappearance of 9-Year-Old Melodee Buzzard from Santa Barbara, California

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has stepped in to assist in the…
Former St. Johns fire chief wins lawsuit

Ex-St. Johns Fire Chief Triumphs in Landmark Legal Victory: What This Means for Firefighting Leadership

St. Johns County has agreed to a $500,000 settlement with its former…
Mother of baby abandoned at Penn Station in New York City arrested in Queens

Queens Authorities Arrest Mother of Baby Found Abandoned at Penn Station, NYC

NEW YORK — The mother of an infant girl discovered abandoned at…
Shelters offer free adoptions at Jacksonville Pet Adoption Festival this weekend

Jacksonville Pet Adoption Festival: Free Adoptions This Weekend to Find Forever Homes for Pets

The Jacksonville Humane Society and Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) are…
Celebrities from Prince Harry to Steve Bannon call for ban on AI 'superintelligence.' What is it?

Why Celebrities Like Prince Harry and Steve Bannon Are Demanding a Ban on AI Superintelligence

(NEXSTAR) – An open letter urging the cessation of progress in “superintelligence”…
FBI releases new surveillance video of suspect who placed pipe bombs near DNC, RNC offices in DC

FBI Unveils New Footage of Suspect Linked to Pipe Bombs Near DNC and RNC Offices

In a renewed effort to solve one of the lingering mysteries from…
NFL's Roger Goodell's Weakness on Full Display With Response About Choosing Bad Bunny for Super Bowl

Roger Goodell Faces Criticism Over Bad Bunny Super Bowl Choice

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s tenure appears overdue for an end, especially after…
Vladimir Kramnik: Former world chess champion may face discipline for treatment of Daniel Naroditsky

Controversy Strikes: Vladimir Kramnik’s Conduct Under Scrutiny in Daniel Naroditsky Dispute

On Wednesday, the global chess governing authority announced it is contemplating disciplinary…
Virginia GOP candidate holds debate with AI bot of opponent

Virginia GOP Candidate Engages in Historic Debate Against AI-Generated Opponent in Political First

An unexpected twist emerged in the Virginia lieutenant governor’s race on Tuesday…