Tylenol Tragedy

The Tylenol tragedy, also known as the Chicago Tylenol murders, was a series of deadly poisonings in 1982. Seven people in the Chicago area died after consuming Extra-Strength Tylenol capsules laced with potassium cyanide by an unknown tamperer. Timeline of Events It began on September 28 when 12-year-old Mary Kellerman took Tylenol for a sore throat and died hours later. The next day, six more victims—Adam Janus (27), his brother Stanley (25), sister-in-law Theresa (19), Mary McFarland (31), Paula Prince (35), and Mary Reiner (27)—died after ingesting tainted capsules from bottles bought at local stores. Investigation and Response Authorities linked the deaths to cyanide after testing bottles, which showed tampering post-manufacture at stores. Johnson & Johnson recalled 31 million bottles nationwide, halted production, and issued public warnings, averting further harm. No one has been convicted of the murders, though James William Lewis was imprisoned for extortion after demanding $1 million to "stop" them. Lasting Impact The crisis ended capsule packaging for OTC drugs, mandated tamper-evident seals, and spurred the 1983 Federal Anti-Tampering Act. Copycat incidents followed, including deaths from tainted Excedrin in 1986. ​