Janesville, WI — Arrest warrants have been issued and two individuals are now in custody after investigators uncovered an alleged plot to poison and kill two women in Rock County, authorities said.
The Rock County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the case on May 12, after a report of a potential poisoning was filed at St. Mary’s Hospital in Janesville. What started as a medical emergency soon escalated into a criminal investigation that revealed a premeditated plan involving toxic substances.
According to investigators, Paul D. VanDuyne Jr. and Andrea L. Whitaker conspired to either gather or create poisons with the intent of using them to murder two women — both of whom had previous relationships with VanDuyne Jr.
Following the investigation, both suspects were charged with multiple felonies, including:
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Three counts of attempted first-degree intentional homicide, as a party to a crime, with use of a dangerous weapon
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Aggravated battery, as a party to a crime, with use of a dangerous weapon
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First-degree recklessly endangering safety, as a party to a crime, with use of a dangerous weapon
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Stalking resulting in bodily harm, as a party to a crime, with use of a dangerous weapon
VanDuyne Jr. and Whitaker are currently being held at the Dane County Jail. They are expected to make their initial appearances in Rock County Court in the coming days.
Authorities have not disclosed how the poison was created or whether it was successfully administered. The investigation is ongoing, and officials say no further details are available at this time.
