Chicago Tylenol murders
| Chicago Tylenol murders | |
|---|---|
| Location | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Date | September 29/30, 1982 |
| Target | Tylenol consumers |
Attack type | Poisoning, mass murder |
| Weapons | Cyanide poison |
| Deaths | 7 |
| Perpetrator | Unknown |
| Motive | Unknown |
The Chicago Tylenol murders were a series of poisoning deaths resulting from drug tampering in the Chicago metropolitan area in 1982. The victims had all taken Tylenol-branded acetaminophen capsules that had been laced with potassium cyanide.[1] Seven people were killed in the original poisonings, with several more killed in subsequent copycat crimes.
Effects
[change | change source]These incidents led to reforms in the packaging of over-the-counter medications and to federal anti-tampering laws. The actions of Johnson & Johnson to reduce deaths and warn the public of poisoning risks have been widely praised as an exemplary public relations response to such a crisis.[2]
No suspect was ever charged or convicted of the poisonings. New York City resident James William Lewis, who was the prime suspect, was convicted only of extortion for sending a letter to Johnson & Johnson that took credit for the deaths and demanded $1 million.[source?]
References
[change | change source]- ↑ Douglas, John E.; Olshaker, Mark (1999). The Anatomy of Motive – The FBI's Legendary Mindhunter Explores the Key to Understanding and Catching Violent Criminals. New York City: Scribner. pp. 103–104. ISBN 0-684-84598-9.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ↑ "5 Crisis Management Truths from the Tylenol Murders". 4 October 2012. Archived from the original on 16 August 2016. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
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