Couple charged in alleged cyanide plot to kill ex-girlfriends; agents hospitalized during search

Published: Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 1:01 am

Wisconsin Couple Charged in Alleged Cyanide Plot, Investigators Hospitalized

A Wisconsin couple, Paul VanDuyne and Andrea Whitaker, are facing charges in connection with an alleged plot to murder two women using cyanide. According to the Wisconsin Justice Department, the pair is accused of creating and deploying the poison in an attempt to kill VanDuyne's former girlfriends. The investigation has led to the hospitalization of at least seven state investigators due to potential exposure to the toxic substance.

Prosecutors allege that VanDuyne broke into a woman's car in a Middleton parking lot and contaminated her water bottle with cyanide. The woman noticed an unusual taste in the water. Two weeks later, a similar incident occurred, and the woman brought the bottle to the police, who confirmed the presence of cyanide. Simultaneously, another woman in Rock County was hospitalized after consuming cyanide-tainted water found in her car following a gym visit. Both women had previously dated VanDuyne.

VanDuyne was arrested after authorities observed him attempting to conceal evidence. While in custody, he contacted Whitaker and instructed her to remove items from his residence. Agents intercepted Whitaker and, upon searching her phone, discovered messages between the couple discussing various poisons. Prosecutors believe the pair was actively planning the murders.

Whitaker's online search history, as revealed by authorities, included queries related to cyanide, such as its appearance, odor, and lethal effects. VanDuyne and Whitaker face multiple charges, including attempted homicide, aggravated battery, reckless endangerment, and stalking, all involving a dangerous weapon. The investigation involved seven agencies, 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.

BNN's Perspective: This case is deeply disturbing, highlighting the potential for extreme violence and the lengths some individuals will go to inflict harm. The fact that investigators were also exposed to the poison underscores the inherent dangers involved in such cases. The focus on the couple's actions and the evidence gathered is crucial, and the swift response of law enforcement is commendable.

Keywords: Wisconsin, cyanide, attempted homicide, poisoning, Paul VanDuyne, Andrea Whitaker, Rock County, Middleton, investigation, dangerous weapon, stalking, aggravated battery, reckless endangerment, FBI, Wisconsin Department of Justice

Full Story