Large bond set at $15 million for Rock County woman charged with involvement in a poisoning conspiracy
In a series of court appearances this week, Paul VanDuyne and co-defendant Andrea Whitaker faced charges related to a poisoning plot in Wisconsin. Both are accused of attempting to commit first-degree intentional homicide, stalking, and other charges.
On Monday, Amanda Bade, the Rock County victim, spoke against VanDuyne and Whitaker in court. Bade alleged that Whitaker had been stalking her after discovering a history between Bade and VanDuyne.
The criminal complaint filed against the pair details various poisons used in the plot, including cyanide, thallium, and abrin. According to the complaint, Whitaker's internet search history contained Bade's full name, searched 96 times.
Whitaker is also accused in Rock County of two attempted homicide charges, aggravated battery, first-degree recklessly endangering safety, and stalking. She appeared virtually for an adjourned initial appearance in Rock County Court. If Whitaker posts bond, she would not be allowed to contact any of the victims. Commissioner Jack Hoag set her bond at $15 million.
In Dane County, where VanDuyne faces charges, the judge previously set Whitaker's bond at $4 million. If posted, Whitaker would be required to hand over her passport. Both Whitaker and VanDuyne are expected to appear Tuesday in Dane County Court for arraignment.
Bade, in her court statement, described Whitaker as someone who "hides behind a façade of purity and achievement and innocence while ignorant and vulnerable puppets commit their crimes." She also stated that Whitaker had done "extensive research into the best methods of getting away with murder."
The allegations against VanDuyne and Whitaker prompted three hazmat investigations in June across Madison's west side. The investigations were conducted to ensure the safety of the public.
The plot unfolded after Bade reported suspicious packages sent to her home. The packages contained white powder, leading to the hazmat investigations. The authorities later determined that the powder was harmless.
This was Bade's first time knowingly having contact with Whitaker. The case continues to develop as the defendants prepare for their arraignment in Dane County Court.
- The ongoing case involving Paul VanDuyne and Andrea Whitaker, who are accused of a poisoning plot in Wisconsin, has raised concerns in both general news and politics, given the serious charges they face, including first-degree intentional homicide and stalking.
- As the criminal case against Andrea Whitaker escalates, with allegations of poisoning, stalking, and attempted homicides in Rock County and Dane County, her internet search history, which reportedly contained the full name of a victim, 96 times, becomes a crucial piece of evidence in the crime-and-justice sector.
