Idaho cold case may be tied to unsolved 1982 Tylenol murders, authorities say
Summary
Authorities in Idaho reopened a cold case and identified a man named Dr. Mathew Francis Betkouski, who died by cyanide poisoning over 40 years ago, as a possible suspect in the unsolved 1982 Tylenol poisonings in the Chicago area. These poisonings led to the deaths of seven people and the introduction of safety caps on medicine bottles.Key Facts
- Dr. Mathew Francis Betkouski was found dead in an Idaho church and identified years later through photos and DNA.
- Betkouski died from cyanide poisoning more than 40 years ago and was buried anonymously.
- Authorities suspect him in the 1982 Chicago-area Tylenol poisonings, which killed seven people.
- Betkouski worked in drugstores and had a history of volatile behavior and interest in “perfect crime” theories.
- Cyanide found in Betkouski’s desk was homemade and different from that used in the Tylenol poisonings.
- Betkouski lived in five states but never near Chicago, though he visited the area a year before the murders.
- Chicago police are still investigating the connection but have not confirmed Betkouski as a suspect.
- Another man, James Lewis, was long considered a suspect but never charged; he died in 2023.
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