Tylenol Murders: A Chilling Mystery of Poisoned Pills and a Vanishing Killer cover art

Tylenol Murders: A Chilling Mystery of Poisoned Pills and a Vanishing Killer

Tylenol Murders: A Chilling Mystery of Poisoned Pills and a Vanishing Killer

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Today we unravel the chilling mystery of the Tylenol murders, a case that forever changed how we trust everyday medicine. In 1982, seven unsuspecting individuals, including Mary Kellerman, Adam Janus, and Paula Prince, tragically lost their lives after ingesting cyanide-laced Tylenol capsules. The ensuing investigation spotlighted James Lewis as a prime suspect, though he was never charged with the murders. Johnson & Johnson's unprecedented recall and introduction of tamper-proof packaging set new standards in product safety. Despite extensive efforts, the perpetrator remains unidentified, leaving a haunting legacy that continues to impact public health policies today.

Resources and Further Reading
  • The Chicago Tylenol-Cyanide Murders of 1982 - History Defined
  • James Lewis, suspect in the 1982 Tylenol murders, dies at 76 - PBS NewsHour
  • How the Tylenol murders of 1982 changed the way we consume medication - PBS NewsHour
  • Chicago Tylenol murders - Wikipedia
  • Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders (2025) - Netflix
  • The Tylenol Killer: Chicago's 1980s Cyanide Spree - Biographics (Youtube)

Host & Show Info

  • Hosts: Kyle Risi & Adam Cox
  • Intro Music: Alice in dark Wonderland

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