A couple from Wisconsin, Paul Van Duyne Jr., 43, and Andrea Whitaker, 41, have been arrested after authorities accused them of attempting to poison at least two women. The pair is believed to have plotted to harm these women after they briefly dated Van Duyne.
The Allegations Against Van Duyne and Whitaker
According to authorities, the poisoning attempts began soon after Van Duyne and Whitaker started dating. The couple is facing serious charges for their involvement in at least two poisoning incidents. One of the women reportedly suffered from poisoning three times, leading investigators to suspect foul play.
The First Victim’s Experience
One of the alleged victims claims she was told by witnesses outside a Costco store that her car had been broken into. As she was driving, she drank water from a bottle inside her car but found that it tasted strange, which led her to spit it out.
Later, she found out that the water contained cyanide, as confirmed by authorities. The woman even encountered a similar situation a few weeks later, where she noticed a strange smell in the water. After calling 911, tests confirmed the water contained cyanide.
A Second Victim in Rock County
In another case in Rock County, a woman was poisoned on three separate occasions. Prosecutors stated that her gym water bottle was contaminated with cyanide and thallium after her car was broken into in April. A few days after the break-in, the woman’s car had a foul odor, which prompted her and her sister to use a different vehicle.
Sadly, the sister, who is a minor, fell ill soon after. Furthermore, a toxic plant protein was found in the woman’s car vent during a later investigation.
The Couple’s Background
Paul Van Duyne is a Princeton graduate who worked as a mechanical engineer. He reportedly started dating Whitaker after his recent divorce. Whitaker is currently studying pharmacology, according to reports.
Both individuals face serious charges, including three counts of attempted first-degree intentional homicide, aggravated battery, and reckless endangerment, among others. They have not yet entered pleas.
The couple’s arrest has raised concerns about their involvement in multiple poisoning attempts. With the charges they face, the legal process will determine the extent of their involvement in these alleged crimes.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to uncover further details surrounding the alleged incidents of poisoning.
