Tylenol Murders: A Chilling Mystery of Poisoned Pills and a Vanishing Killer

The Compendium: An Assembly of Fascinating Things

Today we unravel the chilling mystery of the Tylenol murders, a case that forever changed how we trust everyday medicine. In 1982, seven unsuspecting individuals, including Mary Kellerman, Adam Janus, and Paula Prince, tragically lost their lives after ingesting cyanide-laced Tylenol capsules. The ensuing investigation spotlighted James Lewis as a prime suspect, though he was never charged with the murders. Johnson & Johnson's unprecedented recall and introduction of tamper-proof packaging set new standards in product safety. Despite extensive efforts, the perpetrator remains unidentified, leaving a haunting legacy that continues to impact public health policies today.

We give you just the Compendium, but if you want more, here are our resources:

• The Chicago Tylenol-Cyanide Murders of 1982 - History Defined
• James Lewis, suspect in the 1982 Tylenol murders, dies at 76 - PBS NewsHour
• How the Tylenol murders of 1982 changed the way we consume medication - PBS NewsHour
• Chicago Tylenol murders - Wikipedia
• Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders (2025) - Netflix
• The Tylenol Killer: Chicago's 1980s Cyanide Spree - Biographics (Youtube)

Host & Show Info

• Hosts: Kyle Risi & Adam Cox
• About: Kyle and Adam are more than just your hosts, they’re your close friends sharing intriguing stories from tales from the darker corners of true crime, the annals of your forgotten history books, and the who's who of incredible people.
• Intro Music: Alice in dark Wonderland by Aleksey Chistilin

Community & Calls to Action

• ⭐ Review & follow on: Spotify & Apple Podcasts
• 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @theCompendiumPodcast
• 🌐 Visit us at: TheCompendiumPodcast.com
• ❤️ Early access episodes: Patreon

📤 Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway.