Imagine reaching for a trusted pain reliever, a household name, only to have it become a deadly poison. In 1982, this nightmare became reality when seven people in the Chicago area died after taking cyanide-laced Extra-Strength Tylenol capsules. The Yore Town Podcast delves into this terrifying true crime story in its latest episode, "The Tylenol Murder Case That Terrified The Nation."

The Chilling Timeline:

The episode meticulously unravels the timeline of the poisonings:

• September 29, 1982: Mary Kellerman and Adam Janus die after taking Tylenol.
• September 30, 1982: Stanley and Theresa Janus, and Mary McFarland die.
• October 1, 1982: Paula Prince dies.
• October 2, 1982: Mary Reiner dies. A connection is made between the deaths and Tylenol.
• October 5, 1982: Johnson & Johnson issues a nationwide recall of Tylenol capsules.
• October 8, 1982: A letter from James W. Lewis demanding $1 million is made public.
• December 1982: James W. Lewis is arrested in New York.
• October 1983: Lewis is convicted of extortion.
• October 13, 1983: The Federal Anti-Tampering Act is signed into law.
• 1989: The FDA establishes federal guidelines for tamper-proof packaging.
• July 9, 2023: James W. Lewis dies at age 76.

Key Takeaways:

• A Nation Gripped by Fear: The podcast explores the terror that gripped the nation as a trusted product became a murder weapon.
• The Unsolved Mystery: Despite a frantic investigation, the perpetrator responsible for these heinous acts has never been definitively identified.
• James W. Lewis: Prime Suspect: The episode examines the shadowy figure of James W. Lewis, his troubled past, and the evidence that pointed towards him, as well as his persistent denials.
• The Legacy of Change: The Tylenol murders led to landmark changes in pharmaceutical packaging and federal regulations, protecting consumers to this day. Learn about the swift response of Johnson & Johnson and the introduction of tamper-evident packaging. The podcast also details the passage of the Federal Anti-Tampering Act in 1983.

The Yore Town Podcast's episode "The Tylenol Murder Case That Terrified The Nation" offers a gripping and detailed account of this terrifying true crime story. Listen now to unravel the mystery, examine the evidence, and understand the lasting impact of the Tylenol murders.