Fact Check: VanDuyne and Whitaker used cyanide and thallium in multiple poisoning attempts.

Fact Check: "VanDuyne and Whitaker used cyanide and thallium in multiple poisoning attempts."

What We Know

Paul VanDuyne Jr. and Andrea Whitaker, a couple from Wisconsin, have been charged with multiple counts of attempted murder and other related offenses. They are accused of plotting to poison two women with whom VanDuyne had previously dated. According to court documents, the couple allegedly used cyanide and thallium in their poisoning attempts, as well as other substances like hydrogen sulfide and abrin (NBC News, Spectrum News).

The investigation began when one of the victims reported feeling ill after drinking from a water bottle that had been tampered with. Subsequent tests revealed the presence of cyanide in the water (13abc). In another case, a victim was hospitalized with thallium in her system, which is known to be a highly toxic substance that was historically used for rodent control (NBC News).

Prosecutors allege that the couple worked together to carry out these poisoning attempts, with Whitaker reportedly having a background in pharmacology that may have aided in their planning (13abc, Spectrum News).

Analysis

The evidence presented by law enforcement and prosecutors indicates a coordinated effort by VanDuyne and Whitaker to poison their victims. The use of both cyanide and thallium is particularly alarming given the lethal nature of these substances. Cyanide is a well-known poison that can cause death within minutes when ingested, while thallium is also highly toxic and can lead to severe health complications (NBC News, WKOW).

The reliability of the sources reporting on this case is high, as they include statements from law enforcement officials and court documents. For instance, the Dane County Deputy District Attorney William Brown provided detailed accounts of the investigation and the findings related to the poisons (13abc). Furthermore, the involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, adds credibility to the claims of a serious criminal plot (Spectrum News).

However, it is essential to consider the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law. While the evidence suggests a strong case against the defendants, the legal proceedings are still ongoing, and the final verdict will depend on the outcomes of these proceedings.

Conclusion

Based on the available evidence and credible sources, the claim that VanDuyne and Whitaker used cyanide and thallium in multiple poisoning attempts is True. The charges against them, combined with the toxicological findings related to their victims, support this assertion. The investigation's details reveal a disturbing plot that involved serious criminal intent and the use of highly dangerous substances.

Fact Check: VanDuyne and Whitaker used cyanide and thallium in multiple poisoning attempts.