Prosecutors in Wisconsin have charged a couple, Paul Vanduin and Andrea Whitaker, with conspiracy to murder two women using cyanide. Reports indicate that several investigators who were tracking the couple were hospitalized after coming into contact with the poison.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice claims that Vanduin and Whitaker concocted plans to poison Vanduin’s ex-girlfriends. Allegedly, last month, Vanduin broke into a woman’s car at a Costco in Middleton, tainting a water bottle with cyanide. At that moment, the woman noticed someone outside alerting her that her vehicle had been tampered with, but she hadn’t detected anything wrong until later.
After two weeks, the same woman turned the bottle over to the police, and tests confirmed the presence of cyanide. Around the same period, another woman from Rock County was hospitalized after accidentally drinking cyanide-tainted water from her car after a gym session. Both of these women apparently had briefly dated Vanduin.
Vanduin was arrested last Sunday while allegedly attempting to destroy evidence related to the dangerous materials investigation. Authorities had been monitoring his actions but felt compelled to act when they reached out to a woman in Rock County. Following his arrest, he reportedly contacted Whitaker, asking her to dispose of certain items from his home, a request intercepted by the authorities.
While searching for her phone, investigators discovered multiple messages exchanged between Vanduin and Whitaker discussing various poisons. Prosecutors suspect they intended to use poison against Vanduin’s ex-girlfriend.
In a concerning twist, at least seven state investigators involved in the case required hospitalization due to potential exposure to poison.
Reports have also pointed out that Whitaker’s online activity included searches for cyanide-related terms. Some of these included questions about the properties and appearance of cyanide, which showcases a troubling curiosity.
Both Vanduin and Whitaker face serious charges, including attempted murder and reckless endangerment. While Vanduin faces additional charges in Dane County, Whitaker stands accused of assisting him in his alleged plots.
The investigation has engaged multiple agencies, emphasizing the complexity and seriousness of the situation.
