The Chicago Tylenol murders were a series of poisoning deaths resulting from drug tampering in the Chicago metropolitan area in 1982. The victims had all taken Tylenol-branded acetaminophen capsules that had been laced with potassium cyanide.[1] Seven people were killed in the original poisonings, with several more killed in subsequent copycat crimes.
Effects
These incidents led to reforms in the packaging of over-the-counter medications and to federal anti-tampering laws. The actions of Johnson & Johnson to reduce deaths and warn the public of poisoning risks have been widely praised as an exemplary public relations response to such a crisis.[2]
No suspect was ever charged or convicted of the poisonings. New York City resident James William Lewis, who was the prime suspect, was convicted only of extortion for sending a letter to Johnson & Johnson that took credit for the deaths and demanded $1 million.[source?]
References
