Crime & Safety

31 Years Later, Fatal Tylenol Poisonings Remain Unsolved

The FBI has stepped down as lead investigator on the case, turning it back to local law enforcement. Seven people died from cyanide-laced Tylenol in the Chicago area.

This week marks the 31st anniversary of the string of fatal Tylenol poisonings in the Chicago area that led to seven deaths and the introduction of tamper-proof medication bottles.

The case is still unsolved. In 2011, the FBI sought DNA samples from Ted Kaczynski, the Evergreen Park native who became notorious as the Unabomber, among other individuals.

The FBI, which took over the investigation in 2007, announced last week that it will no longer be the lead agency on the case and is turning over the responsibility for the investigation back to local police departments. These agencies include the Illinois State Police, and departments in Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village, Lombard, Schaumburg, Chicago and Winfield, where people died as a result of the poisoned Tylenol.

Seven people, including one child, died from cyanide-laced Tylenol in the Chicago area over a three-day stretch in 1982.

Watch the video above for a full report.


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