(DailyChive.com) – Princeton graduate and his pharmacology student girlfriend face attempted murder charges after allegedly poisoning women he met on dating apps with a deadly cocktail of rat poison, cyanide, and crushed rosary peas.
Key Takeaways
- Paul VanDuyne Jr., 43, a Princeton-educated mechanical engineer, and Andrea Whitaker, 41, a pharmacology student, are charged with attempted murder for allegedly poisoning women VanDuyne met on dating apps.
- The couple allegedly used thallium (banned rat poison), cyanide, and a homemade toxin from crushed rosary peas to contaminate the victims’ water bottles, vehicles, and ventilation systems.
- Prosecutors cite jealousy as Whitaker’s motive, who began the poisoning scheme after moving to Wisconsin in spring 2025 following a virtual relationship with VanDuyne.
- VanDuyne’s bail is set at $10 million due to his “significant financial resources,” while Whitaker’s bail is $4 million; they face separate court dates in July and August 2025.
Elite Education Meets Deadly Plot
In a disturbing case highlighting the dark side of online dating, Paul VanDuyne Jr., a 43-year-old Princeton University graduate and former mechanical engineer, and his girlfriend Andrea Whitaker, a 41-year-old pharmacology student, have been charged with attempted murder in Wisconsin. The couple allegedly targeted two women VanDuyne had previously met through dating apps, using their combined knowledge of engineering and pharmacology to orchestrate a sophisticated poisoning scheme that has shocked investigators and the community alike.
Court documents reveal that VanDuyne, recently divorced before turning to dating apps, began seeing the victims briefly before entering into a relationship with Whitaker. Prosecutors allege that jealousy drove Whitaker to collaborate with VanDuyne in developing multiple toxic substances to harm the women. The couple’s methodical approach included contaminating personal items and planning attacks through ventilation systems, demonstrating a calculated effort that prosecutors describe as “premeditated and cold-blooded.”
Deadly Cocktail of Poisons
The couple’s alleged poisoning methods reveal a disturbing level of planning and knowledge. According to court filings, they utilized thallium, a banned rat poison known for its deadly effects, alongside cyanide and a homemade concoction created from crushed rosary peas. Investigators discovered evidence that the couple had placed these substances in the victims’ water bottles and vehicles, and had plans to contaminate ventilation systems in an apparent attempt to ensure maximum harm while minimizing detection.
Whitaker’s background as a pharmacology student proved particularly useful in the scheme, authorities claim. She allegedly leveraged her academic knowledge to create and deploy the toxic substances effectively. The plot began to unfold after Whitaker moved to Wisconsin in spring 2025, following what had been a virtual long-distance relationship with VanDuyne while she completed her studies out of state. This timeline suggests a calculated escalation once the couple was physically together.
Bail Set in the Millions
During initial court appearances, the judge set VanDuyne’s bail at an extraordinary $10 million, citing his access to “significant financial resources” that made him a flight risk. Whitaker’s bail was set at $4 million. The substantial difference in bail amounts reflects both the court’s assessment of flight risk and possibly the perceived roles each played in the conspiracy. Neither defendant has entered a formal plea, though both have secured separate legal representation.
The case has sent shockwaves through the online dating community, with local authorities issuing warnings about meeting strangers through apps. “This case represents an extreme example of the dangers that can lurk behind seemingly normal dating profiles,” said Dane County District Attorney James Holden. “While most online connections don’t lead to attempted murder, this serves as a stark reminder to exercise caution and meet in public places.”
Charges and Upcoming Court Dates
Both VanDuyne and Whitaker face multiple felony charges including attempted murder, aggravated battery, reckless endangerment, and stalking. Whitaker faces an additional charge of aiding a criminal. The severity of these charges reflects prosecutors’ belief that the couple fully intended to kill their victims and took substantial steps toward that goal. If convicted on all counts, both defendants could face decades in prison.
The case will proceed with separate court appearances for the defendants. Whitaker is scheduled to appear next on July 2, 2025, in Dane County Court, while VanDuyne’s next appearance is set for August 4, 2025. Prosecutors have indicated they are still gathering evidence and have not ruled out additional charges as the investigation continues.
A Warning for Dating App Users
This case emerges at a time when dating apps have become increasingly mainstream, yet concerns about safety continue to plague the industry. While most dating app interactions don’t lead to criminal behavior of this magnitude, safety experts point to this case as an extreme example of why caution is necessary. The victims in this case, whose identities are being protected by authorities, reportedly had no indication of VanDuyne’s sinister intentions during their brief relationships.
Law enforcement officials are using this case to remind the public about dating app safety protocols, including meeting in public places, informing friends or family about date details, and being cautious about sharing personal information too quickly. The case also raises questions about the responsibility of dating platforms to screen users and protect members from potentially dangerous individuals with hidden agendas.
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