Tylenol Murders

Serial Killer

The Chicago Tylenol Murders: A Detailed Account

Overview of the Crimes

In the fall of 1982, the Chicago metropolitan area was shaken by a series of tragic deaths that would later be known as the Chicago Tylenol murders. Seven individuals lost their lives after ingesting Extra-Strength Tylenol capsules laced with potassium cyanide. These incidents not only caused widespread panic but also led to significant changes in the packaging of over-the-counter medications and the implementation of federal anti-tampering laws.

Details of the Victims

• Mary Kellerman (12 years old) – September 29, 1982, Schaumburg, Illinois. Mary, a seventh-grader, woke up feeling unwell and took a Tylenol capsule. She collapsed shortly after and was pronounced dead by 9:30 AM.
• Adam Janus (27 years old) – September 29, 1982, Arlington Heights, Illinois. Adam took Tylenol after believing he had a cold. He collapsed and died later that day.
• Stanley Janus (25 years old) – September 29, 1982, Arlington Heights, Illinois. Stanley, Adam's brother, took Tylenol from the same bottle while at Adam's home and collapsed, dying shortly after.
• Theresa Janus (20 years old) – September 29, 1982, Arlington Heights, Illinois. Theresa, Stanley's wife, also took Tylenol from Adam's bottle and collapsed. She was pronounced dead on October 1, 1982.
• Mary Reiner (27 years old) – September 29, 1982, Winfield, Illinois. Mary, who had recently given birth, took Tylenol for post-partum pain and died shortly after.
• Mary McFarland (31 years old) – September 29, 1982, Elmhurst, Illinois. Mary took Tylenol while at work and collapsed, dying soon after.
• Paula Prince (35 years old) – October 1, 1982, Chicago, Illinois. Paula, a flight attendant, purchased Tylenol at a Walgreens and was found dead in her apartment on October 1.

Investigation and Public Response

The sudden and unexplained deaths prompted an immediate investigation. Authorities quickly identified that each victim had consumed Tylenol prior to their collapse. Upon testing, several Tylenol bottles were found to contain capsules laced with lethal doses of potassium cyanide. The contaminated bottles were traced back to multiple retail locations across the Chicago area, suggesting that the tampering occurred after the products had reached store shelves. In response to the crisis, public warnings were issued, and a massive recall of Tylenol products was initiated. Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturer of Tylenol, halted production and advertising, and advised consumers not to consume any of their acetaminophen products. This incident led to significant changes in the packaging of over-the-counter medications, including the introduction of tamper-evident seals, to prevent such tragedies in the future. ...Read More

Confirmed Victims: (7)

Mary Kellerman Age: (12), Date of Death: 1982-09-29

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Unsealed: The Tylenol Murders | Podcast on Spotify

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