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Idaho Identifies 1982 Boise Cyanide Poisoning Victim

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 3:29 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Idaho Authorities Identify Betkouski

Idaho authorities identified Dr. Mathew Francis Betkouski as the 1982 Boise cyanide poisoning victim.
Detectives linked a key on his body to Jacksonville and confirmed identity via his brother’s DNA.
Investigators recovered a Chicago map, 1981 photos, and a bottle of sodium cyanide.
The cyanide in Betkouski’s desk was homemade and chemically distinct from the potassium cyanide used in the 1982 killings.

Summary

James Lewis Extortion Conviction

The 1982 Tylenol poisonings sparked nationwide panic and led to new safety packaging standards for OTC drugs.
Federal regulators later required tamper-evident seals on medication bottles as a direct response.
James W. Lewis was convicted of extorting Johnson & Johnson, served over 12 years, and died in 2023.
Stanley Janus, Adam Janus, and Theresa Janus were buried on Oct. 5, 1982 in Niles, Illinois.

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Idaho Authorities Identify Betkouski

Idaho authorities identified Dr. Mathew Francis Betkouski as the 1982 Boise cyanide poisoning victim.
Detectives linked a key on his body to Jacksonville and confirmed identity via his brother’s DNA.
Investigators recovered a Chicago map, 1981 photos, and a bottle of sodium cyanide.
The cyanide in Betkouski’s desk was homemade and chemically distinct from the potassium cyanide used in the 1982 killings.

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