Daily brief   for adults 50+ Subscribe AM & PM email
50 Plus HubEverything for Everyone 50+
Customize ➞ My age is in the: 50s 60s 70s 80+ Text size Language
‹ Back to Breaking News
us

Idaho Cold Case Possibly Linked to 1982 Tylenol Murders

Friday, September 25, 2026 · 2 sources

A man found dead in an Idaho church decades ago may be connected to the unsolved 1982 Tylenol murders in the Chicago area. Authorities identified the man as Dr. Mathew Francis Betkouski, who fatally poisoned himself with cyanide over 40 years ago.

A cold case in Idaho may be linked to the infamous 1982 Tylenol murders in the Chicago area. Detective Tim Cooper of the Ada County Sheriff's Office reopened the case in 2019, leading to the posthumous identification of Dr. Mathew Francis Betkouski. Betkouski died from cyanide poisoning over 40 years ago and was buried anonymously.

The Tylenol murders, which occurred in 1982, involved the poisoning of several people in the Chicago area after they took Tylenol capsules laced with potassium cyanide. The case led to significant changes in the way medications are packaged, including the introduction of child safety caps. Authorities have not disclosed what evidence links Betkouski to the Tylenol murders, but the investigation is ongoing.

The identification of Betkouski was a significant breakthrough in the case, which had gone cold for decades. The Ada County Sheriff's Office is working with other law enforcement agencies to determine if there is a connection between Betkouski and the Tylenol murders.

Go Deeper

What were the Tylenol murders?

The Tylenol murders were a series of poisonings that occurred in the Chicago area in 1982, in which several people died after taking Tylenol capsules laced with potassium cyanide.

How did the Tylenol murders lead to changes in medication packaging?

The Tylenol murders led to the introduction of child safety caps on medication bottles, as well as other changes in packaging to prevent tampering.

Who is Dr. Mathew Francis Betkouski?

Dr. Mathew Francis Betkouski is a man who was found dead in an Idaho church decades ago and has been posthumously identified as a potential link to the Tylenol murders.

What evidence links Betkouski to the Tylenol murders?

Authorities have not disclosed what evidence links Betkouski to the Tylenol murders, but the investigation is ongoing.

What is the current status of the investigation?

The investigation is ongoing, with the Ada County Sheriff's Office working with other law enforcement agencies to determine if there is a connection between Betkouski and the Tylenol murders.