Stuff You Should Know SYSK’s Fall True Crime Playlist: The Tylenol Murders, Part I
Sep 26, 2025
In 1982, seven people mysteriously died in Chicago after consuming Extra-Strength Tylenol, leading to national panic. The hosts explore how a trusted medication became a poison and discuss the chaotic aftermath as authorities linked the deaths to cyanide-laced capsules. They detail the rapid collapse of victims and the shocking discovery of tainted bottles in stores. As fear spread and copycat incidents emerged, investigators raced to uncover the truth, suspecting a mad poisoner acting randomly. The gripping story sets the stage for a deeper investigation.
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Sudden Deaths After Tylenol Use
- Mary Ann Kellerman, a healthy 12-year-old, collapsed after taking Extra-Strength Tylenol and was dead on arrival at the hospital.
- Multiple other healthy adults in Chicago collapsed the same day after taking Tylenol, creating immediate alarm.
Cyanide Found In Tylenol Capsules
- Medical examiner Michael Schaefer tested capsules from a victim's bottle and found potassium cyanide instead of acetaminophen.
- Some capsules contained lethal doses (≈65 mg) while about 50 mg can kill a healthy adult.
How Cyanide Kills So Quickly
- Cyanide blocks cytochrome C oxidase, preventing cells from using oxygen and causing rapid CNS failure.
- Victims typically convulse, foam at the mouth, gasp with functioning lungs, and can remain conscious briefly while dying.
