From ABC7 New York · · 1m 10s
Chicago Tylenol Murders Cold Case Solved
Chicago detectives link 1982 'unknown wanderer' to Tylenol murders using cold case evidence.
In brief
Chicago detectives link 1982 'unknown wanderer' to Tylenol murders using cold case evidence. Dr. Mathew Francis Betkouski, identified as the 'unknown wanderer' who died in Boise in 1982, is a potential suspect in Chicago's 1982 Tylenol cyanide murders. Originally reported by ABC7 New York.
Chicago detectives identify 'unknown wanderer'
Officials identified Dr. Mathew Francis Betkouski as the man found dead inside a Boise, Idaho church in December 1982.
Betkouski died by cyanide poisoning
He died by taking cyanide inside the church in December 1982 after receiving multiple mental health treatments in the 1970s.
Betkouski's possible connection to murders
Police said Betkouski was known to be doing experiments at his home in 1982 and was fired after taking chemicals from his lab job.
Betkouski's mental health history
He was described as paranoid, possibly having schizophrenia, and a 'loner' before his death in 1982.
Betkouski's belongings linked to Chicago
Police found maps of Chicago and photos of Betkouski in the Windy City in December 1981 among his belongings.
Betkouski as potential suspect
Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Park Dietz said Betkouski was a viable suspect after presenting the case to multiple forensic psychiatrists and an FBI group in the 1980s.
The big picture
Dr. Mathew Francis Betkouski, identified as the 'unknown wanderer' who died in Boise in 1982, is a potential suspect in Chicago's 1982 Tylenol cyanide murders.
