Wisconsin Couple Faces Charges in Alleged Cyanide Scheme to Murder Ex-Girlfriends; Agents Hospitalized During Investigation

A Wisconsin couple is now facing serious legal repercussions following allegations of a cyanide poisoning plot aimed at two women. The situation escalated to the point where several investigators involved in the case required hospitalization after exposure to the toxic substance, as detailed by prosecutors.

Paul VanDuyne and Andrea Whitaker stand accused of concocting poisons and executing a calculated scheme to murder VanDuyne's ex-girlfriends. According to the Wisconsin Justice Department, the couple's actions were not only premeditated but also dangerously reckless.

In a chilling incident last month, VanDuyne allegedly broke into a woman’s vehicle parked at a Middleton Costco and contaminated her water bottle with cyanide. Although she was initially unaware of any tampering, she later noticed an unusual taste in the water, prompting concern.

Two weeks later, the same woman brought her water bottle to law enforcement for testing, which confirmed the presence of cyanide. Concurrently, another woman in Rock County was hospitalized after consuming cyanide-laced water discovered in her car following a gym visit. Both women had previously dated VanDuyne, raising alarming questions about his motives.

Authorities moved swiftly to apprehend VanDuyne after he attempted to contact the Rock County victim last weekend. He was arrested and booked on Sunday, but not before he allegedly tried to destroy evidence related to the case.

While in custody, VanDuyne made a call to Whitaker, instructing her to remove items from his residence. Law enforcement intercepted her as she left with belongings. A search of her phone revealed numerous messages between the couple discussing various poisons, further implicating them in the alleged plot.

Prosecutors assert that the duo had intentions to murder VanDuyne’s ex-girlfriends using poison. The investigation has been extensive, involving at least seven state investigators who have since been hospitalized due to potential exposure to cyanide.

Dane County Assistant District Attorney William Brown disclosed that Whitaker's online search history included queries such as “Does potassium cyanide cloud water?” and “What does cyanide look like?” These searches indicate a troubling level of premeditation regarding their alleged actions.

Both VanDuyne and Whitaker face multiple charges in Rock County, including attempted homicide, aggravated battery, reckless endangerment, and stalking—all involving a dangerous weapon. In addition, VanDuyne faces further charges in Dane County for attempted homicide and stalking, while Whitaker is accused of aiding him and attempting to conceal their activities.

The investigation has seen collaboration from seven different 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. The case continues to unfold as authorities work diligently to ensure justice is served.