Drugstore clerk removes Tylenol capsules from the shelves
of a pharmacy in New York City after reports of tampering.
On September 29, 1982, three Chicago area residents became ill
and died after ingesting Extra-Strength Tylenol later found to be poisoned with cyanide. They were the first of seven victims to
lose their lives after taking the over-the-counter pain reliever,
which had been tampered with. The case would create a national
panic over the safety of nonprescription medications and lead to
new standards for pill packaging.
Seventh grader Mary Ann Kellerman was the first to die after
taking the medicine overnight to combat a sore throat.
A foil safety seal that became standard on all over-the-
counter medications after the 1982 Tylenol murders.
James Lewis was 76 when he died in 2023. According to
police, his death did not appear suspicious.
Lewis was the only person law enforcement targeted as a suspect
for more than 40 years.
