The arrests of Paul Van Duyne and Andrea Whitaker occurred this week in Madison, leading to extensive hazmat investigations due to the dangerous nature of the substances involved. Authorities are taking the precautionary measures necessary to ensure public safety.

During a bail hearing, Dane County Deputy District Attorney William Brown revealed that it appears the defendants, Van Duyne and Whitaker, initiated a relationship and devised a sinister plot to kill his ex-girlfriends by administering cyanide and other toxic substances. This alarming information has shocked the community and raises serious questions about the extent of their intentions.

According to jail records, Van Duyne faces one count of stalking and two counts of attempted first-degree murder, while Whitaker has been charged with harboring and aiding a felon along with one count of attempted first-degree murder. The severity of these charges reflects the grave nature of their alleged crimes.

The extensive investigation has been underway for a month, having commenced after a woman noticed suspicious individuals loitering around her car in a Costco parking lot in Middleton. When she approached, one bystander claimed to have witnessed someone breaking into her vehicle. Afterward, she took a sip from her water bottle only to immediately spit it out due to the unusual taste, raising alarm bells about potential poisoning.

In a bizarre twist, the same incident occurred again within weeks. This time, the woman promptly dialed 911 after detecting an odd odor emanating from her water bottle, indicating a serious threat to her safety and potentially others.

Ultimately, the water bottle was sent to a crime lab for analysis, where it was discovered that it contained cyanide. This shocking revelation has raised concerns about the safety of the victims and the broader community, as it highlights the potential for similar incidents.

Another victim in the Rock Nation area experienced a similar ordeal, but unfortunately, she ended up in the hospital. Notably, both women had previously been in relationships with Van Duyne, raising suspicions about his intentions.

“It appears that Mr. Van Duyne was likely the individual who entered the vehicles of both victims and tampered with their water bottles, introducing cyanide into each,” Brown stated. Prosecutors also mentioned that a plastic bag containing hydrogen sulfide was likely placed in one of the vehicles, leading to the sickness of the victim’s minor sister, which further complicates the case.

In total, prosecutors have indicated that there are five separate incidents of attempted poisoning. This includes one instance where the suspects allegedly placed a toxic plant protein known as abrin in the ventilation system of one of the victims’ cars, showcasing the calculated nature of their actions.

One of the victims reported that she had a “casual” and “sexual” relationship with Van Duyne approximately two years prior to his involvement with Whitaker. She allegedly expressed concerns to Van Duyne about Whitaker’s demeanor, warning him that she seemed “dangerous and toxic,” which adds a layer of complexity to the relationships involved.

Van Duyne was apprehended after he showed up at the second victim’s residence on Sunday night, while a trail camera was reportedly aimed at the house, raising suspicions about his intentions and actions.

During the hearing, Brown stated that Van Duyne called Whitaker from jail, instructing her to remove incriminating evidence from their home, including a computer and possible poisons. Furthermore, Whitaker was found to have conducted online searches related to cyanide, such as, “Does potassium cyanide cloud water?”, “Sodium cyanide odor, sodium cyanide,” “What does cyanide look like?” and “Cyanide lethal dose?” This information underscores the premeditated nature of their actions.

“In at least Rock County, the act of placing cyanide powder in air vents demonstrates that this defendant was likely the mastermind behind the operation, utilizing her background in pharmacology to orchestrate these malicious activities,” Brown asserted regarding Whitaker. He also described their conversations as “terribly concerning,” indicating the depth of their planning.

“The evidence appears to be thoroughly documented and indicative of a clear plan, given that these two women nearly lost their lives. We are not engaging in speculation,” he added, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

A search of Van Duyne’s properties revealed rosary pea seeds, which the CDC has identified as a source of abrin, in addition to other materials that could be used to create poisons. This discovery raises serious questions about the couple’s intentions and capabilities.

The ongoing investigation also led to the hospitalization of seven agents from the Wisconsin Department of Justice DCI due to exposure, highlighting the extensive dangers associated with the substances involved and the implications for law enforcement.

Whitaker was granted a $750,000 bond and is prohibited from having any contact with Van Duyne if he is released, indicating the court’s seriousness regarding safety and the potential risk posed by their partnership.