Fact Check: "Victim hospitalized with lethal thallium levels after dating VanDuyne."
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that a woman from Rock County, Wisconsin, was hospitalized with significant levels of thallium in her system, a substance historically used as a poison. This incident is linked to Paul VanDuyne Jr. and Andrea Whitaker, who have been charged with attempted murder in connection to a plot to poison two women VanDuyne previously dated. The woman in question was hospitalized after experiencing severe abdominal pain, and medical professionals determined that the thallium levels in her body were dangerously high, suggesting intentional poisoning (NBC News, WMTV).
The Rock County victim reported that she had dated VanDuyne briefly and had ceased contact with him after expressing disinterest. Following this, she began receiving threatening messages from him, which included accusations of being "evil" and claims that his current girlfriend, Whitaker, had harmed herself upon learning about their past (WKOW, WISN 12).
Analysis
The claim that a victim was hospitalized with lethal thallium levels after dating VanDuyne is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The reports detail a systematic approach by VanDuyne and Whitaker to poison their victims using various toxic substances, including thallium, cyanide, and abrin. The medical professionals involved have explicitly stated that the levels of thallium found in the victim's system could only result from intentional poisoning (NBC News, WMTV).
The credibility of the sources is high, as they include official court documents and statements from law enforcement and medical professionals. The allegations are serious and have led to significant legal repercussions for VanDuyne and Whitaker, including high bail amounts set due to public safety concerns (WISN 12).
However, it is important to note that while the evidence points strongly toward the poisoning being intentional, the legal proceedings are ongoing, and the defendants have not yet been convicted. This context is crucial for understanding the current status of the case.
Conclusion
The claim that a victim was hospitalized with lethal thallium levels after dating VanDuyne is True. The evidence presented in court documents and corroborated by medical professionals indicates that the poisoning was intentional, and the victim's hospitalization was a direct result of the actions taken by VanDuyne and Whitaker.
