Paul VanDuyne Jr., 43, and Andrea Whitaker, 41, from Wisconsin have been charged with attempted murder for allegedly poisoning two women VanDuyne had previously dated. The couple faces multiple charges, including aggravated battery, recklessly endangering public safety, and stalking. Following their separate court appearances, bail was set at $10 million for VanDuyne and $4 million for Whitaker, both of whom are in custody and did not enter pleas.
The victims, who met VanDuyne on dating apps and had only minimal interactions with him, reported alarming experiences, including finding Whitaker near one victim’s vehicle. One victim indicated that despite never being VanDuyne’s girlfriend, both he and Whitaker developed a delusional relationship about her being involved with him, which allegedly motivated their attempted murder.
Prosecutors revealed VanDuyne and Whitaker devised a plan to poison the victims using substances like thallium, cyanide, and abrin. One victim was hospitalized in May due to thallium exposure, a substance linked historically to lethal poisoning. After the woman fell ill, investigation revealed troubling details about VanDuyne’s communications and movements.
Both women reported suspicious activity, including tampering with their vehicles and attempts to contaminate their water. Investigators confirmed that poisoned water was tested and found harmful chemicals. Search warrants on VanDuyne’s vehicle and residence turned up potential evidence of their poisoning scheme.
The defendants are scheduled for additional court appearances to face related charges, with significant concerns expressed by the victims about their safety and the threat posed to the community. The case highlights issues surrounding stalking, mental health, and the severity of attempted murder using poisonous substances.
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