Stuff You Should Know The Tylenol Murders, Part I
May 28, 2019
In 1982, a seemingly innocuous product turned deadly as seven people in Chicago fell victim to poisoned Tylenol. The podcast digs into the chain of events that caused public panic, exploring the shocking revelation of cyanide contamination. As victims' stories emerge, the hosts reflect on the cultural climate of the time and the profound impact on consumer safety regulations. The investigation reveals not only the fear of tampering but also the unsettling emergence of copycat incidents, leaving audiences shaken and intrigued.
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Mary Kellerman’s Death
- 12-year-old Mary Kellerman awoke with a sore throat on September 29, 1982.
- Her parents told her to take Tylenol and go back to bed, after which she died suddenly, initially suspected to be from a stroke.
Adam Janus’s Death
- On the same day, 27-year-old Adam Janus died after taking Tylenol for chest pains.
- His death, like Mary Kellerman’s, was initially attributed to a heart attack due to his prior complaints.
Mary Reiner’s Death
- 27-year-old new mother Mary Reiner died after taking Tylenol for dizziness shortly after giving birth.
- She collapsed in front of her young daughter and was pronounced dead at the hospital.