A Wisconsin woman faces criminal charges after police allege she poisoned her ex-husband repeatedly by placing Visine eyedrops into his CPAP machine and beverages. The ex-husband contacted the Stevens Point Police Department after suspecting attempted poisoning through a contaminated drink.
Investigators determined that the defendant administered tetrahydrozoline, the active ingredient in Visine, multiple times without the victim's knowledge or consent. Police reports indicate she placed the toxic substance in his CPAP device, which delivers pressurized air directly to his respiratory system during sleep, as well as in food and drinks he consumed daily.
According to law enforcement statements, the woman admitted to poisoning her ex-husband "many times" to make him dependent on her care. The strategy was designed to keep him reliant on her presence and assistance due to the health complications caused by repeated tetrahydrozoline exposure.
Tetrahydrozoline is a decongestant intended only for topical eye application. When ingested or inhaled in significant quantities, it causes serious medical complications including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, respiratory depression, and cardiovascular problems. Repeated poisoning creates acute toxicity risks and can cause permanent organ damage.
The charges likely include attempted homicide, poisoning, and assault with a dangerous weapon, depending on Wisconsin's statutory framework. Wisconsin Statute 940.02 defines attempted first-degree intentional homicide as an attempt to cause the death of another human being with intent to kill. Deliberate, repeated poisoning over time strengthens arguments for premeditation and intent.
The case raises serious questions about elder abuse dynamics and the criminal justice system's capacity to prosecute poisoning crimes where physical evidence derives from toxicological testing. Prosecutors must establish that the defendant knowingly placed a harmful substance in items the victim would consume, proving knowledge of toxicity and