Fact Check: Wisconsin couple charged with attempted murder for poisoning dating app victims
What We Know
A couple from Madison, Wisconsin, Paul Vanduyne Jr. and Andrea Whitaker, has been charged with multiple crimes, including attempted murder, for allegedly attempting to poison two women they met through dating apps. According to reports, the couple is accused of using toxic substances such as cyanide, thallium, and hydrogen sulfide in their plot against the victims, one of whom was a former date of Vanduyne's (source-1, source-2).
The alleged incidents began in April 2025, when the couple reportedly broke into one victim's vehicle and tampered with her water bottle, filling it with cyanide and thallium. Following this, they are said to have used hydrogen sulfide in another attempt, which resulted in the hospitalization of one of the victims (source-1, source-2).
Both Vanduyne and Whitaker have pleaded not guilty to the charges and are currently in custody, with bail set at $10 million for Vanduyne and $4 million for Whitaker (source-2).
Analysis
The allegations against Vanduyne and Whitaker are serious and involve multiple instances of attempted poisoning, which have been corroborated by medical evidence. One victim was hospitalized with dangerous levels of cyanide and thallium in her system, leading medical professionals to conclude that the levels were consistent with intentional poisoning (source-2).
The sources reporting on this case are credible news outlets, including ABC7 Chicago and NBC News, which have a history of reliable journalism. They provide detailed accounts of the court proceedings and the nature of the charges, including the specific poisons involved and the timeline of events. The information is consistent across multiple reports, enhancing its reliability (source-1, source-2).
However, it is important to note that both defendants have pleaded not guilty, and the legal process is ongoing. The presumption of innocence applies until proven guilty in a court of law.
Conclusion
The claim that a Wisconsin couple has been charged with attempted murder for poisoning dating app victims is True. The evidence presented in credible news reports supports the allegations of a conspiracy to poison two women, with specific details about the methods and substances used. The ongoing legal proceedings will further clarify the outcomes of these serious charges.
