Netflix doc on infamous Tylenol murders makes viewers 'never want to take it again'
In 1982, seven people, including a twelve-year-old girl in Chicago died after taking Tylenol (paracetamol). It was later revealed that the medicine had been poisoned with cyanide, sparking a decades-long mystery and a major change in consumer product safety. Now, a three-part Netflix docuseries has analysed this infamous cold case, streaming from today, May 26.
You may have found yourself struggling to open a bottle of over-the-counter pills, wondering why it's so tricky. What you probably didn't know was that this infamous series of murders inspired the introduction of tamper-proof packaging for medication.
The biggest suspect in this legendary case, that caused the introduction of the Tylenol Bill in 1983, making tampering with packaging a federal offense in the US, was a man called James Lewis. While it couldn't be proved that he had committed the crime, he faced a meagre 10 years in prison for attempted extortion after investigators discovered he had sent a letter to Johnson & Johnson, demanding they give him $1 million in exchange for stopping the murders.
Lewis died in 2023, but not before sitting down with Netflix for a (seriously creepy) interview for the upcoming series, Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders.
The series shows the suspected killer struggling to open the tamper-proof bottle of pills that have been placed in front of him, saying: 'Everybody who tries to open these bottles swears my name."
The 76-year-old added in the 2023 interview, which took place not long before his death: 'They make it look like I'm the world's most horrible, dangerous person ever.
'And I wouldn't hurt anybody," he said with an eerie chuckle.
The sinister series of deaths began on September 29, 1982, when 12-year-old Mary Kellerman died after taking a Tylenol when she felt unwell.
Three members of the same family died later on the same say, also after taking the over-the-counter medication.
A 27-year-old man named Adam Janus took two Tylenol capsules, later dying in hospital.
His brother Stanley Janus and Stanley's wife, Theresa both took Tylenol from the same bottle and died shortly after.
A further three people died in the days following, including Mary 'Lynn' Reiner, 27, who had just given birth to her fourth child.
A 31-year-old woman, Mary McFarland and 35-year-old Paula Prince also passed away after taking the poisoned medication.
The series includes interviews from the victims' families and experts close to the investigation, who were frustrated at Lewis' death as they had continued to pursue him in the decades following the murders.
During his prison sentence, Lewis even described how the killer could've drilled tiny holes into each Tylenol capsule, before inserting deadly cyanide inside, in an interview with ABC 7 Chicago in 1992.
It's now been over 40 years since the mystery took place, but the documentary's directors explain that the case's legacy is more than worthy of note.
Yotam Guendelman and Ari Pines told Netflix: 'Today, every tamper-proof seal is a reminder of that dark moment — when cyanide-laced capsules transformed an everyday medicine into a murder weapon, permanently reshaping consumer industries."
The series is already making waves, with many viewers taking to social media to voice their opinions.
One user said on X: "Watching the Tylenol murders, makes me never wanna take it again. cs aino way its THAT easy to tamper w sh*t & put it back like nothing ever happened."
Others who remember the disaster shared their thoughts, with one X user saying: "Watching this Tylenol Murders doc….I remember this very clearly from childhood.
"I hated taking pills so I was happy when mom threw all that stuff out."
The Netflix series is available to stream on the platform from today, May 26.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Review Geek
5 hours ago
- The Review Geek
Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes Review – A disturbing and comprehensive look at David Berkowitz
Season 1 Episode Guide Episode 1 Episode 2 Episode 3 Out of all the true crime series on Netflix, Conversations with a Killer is one of the most chillingly intimate. With a unique hook of letting the killers themselves speak about their crimes, alongside re-enactments of these heinous crimes, some of the worst serial killers in history walk us through their reign of terror. This time around, the spotlight falls on The Son of Sam Tapes, which shines a light on the maniacal, egotistical David Berkowitz. Shooting his victims on the street or while sitting in parked cars, Berkowitz killed six people in total and wounded seven others during his rampage, gripping the city of New York in a stranglehold of fear. Feeling like an outsider all his life, Berkowitz was one of the more dangerous and unpredictable killers because on the outside, he was just an ordinary guy. He socialized with others, fell in with a decent crowd, patriotically fought for his country, and bounced around various odd-jobs. However, as we hear from various interviews with police officers, survivors and psychologists, underneath that façade Berkowitz was a 'walking, seething cauldron of rage'. This was a man desperate to be seen; a man willing to do whatever it took to get that attention, even if it meant killing innocent people. This three part docu-series peels back the smirking, nonchalant façade of this killer to uncover the real motives and reasoning behind his multiple killings. Each episode takes the usual hook from the Conversations with a Killer series, bouncing between two timelines. The first showcases recorded interviews of Berkowitz recounting his murders while behind bars. The other, jumps back to the chronological timeline of said murders and the police investigation that was underway at the time. The first episode looks at Berkowitz's family life, including his upbringing and lead-up to the first murders, before episode 2 tightens the screw and sees the origin of the .44 calibre gun, Berkowitz's inspiration derived from Taxi Driver and the start of taunting notes to the police. Notes which sport specific references to 'Mr Monster' and 'Son of Sam'. The third episode then focuses on a big break in the case, a shocking (but thankfully botched) grand finale bloodbath Berkowitz initially had planned, and his eventual arrest. In fact one of the most shocking moments comes when the police finally do capture David Berkowitz. He turned to the police, smirked and uttered: 'well you got me, what took you so long?' However, the story itself doesn't end there, as the final 10-15 minutes of the documentary feature another victim Berkowitz missed out recounting their story. We also see random theories and ideas (including the Twelve Disciples of Hell) and word from Berkowitz himself (as recent as 2024) about how he feels regarding the murders. The show also features (especially late on) the role of mainstream media and newspapers at the time. Hearing from Jimmy Breslin's son in particular, we see some of the shocking headlines that the newspapers ran with at the time. One in particular even includes Breslin basically egging on our killer to hit again. Overall though, The Son of Sam Tapes is a pretty comprehensive breakdown of Berkowitz and his reign of terror. It's hard to grasp just how fear-struck and panicked New York was at the time of Berkowitz's killing spree, but Conversations with a Killer does a decent job of showcasing some of this within the three episodes. This is a deeply affecting and in-depth documentary, and essential viewing for anyone who wants the complete story of this serial killer.
Time Out
17 hours ago
- Time Out
How Safe is Cape Town? City records R9.5bn spend on infrastructure, safety and security
Cape Town has just shattered records for infrastructure investment - and with it, the city is signalling a bold stance on a question that lingers for many locals and visitors alike: Just how safe is Cape Town? In his 30 July address to City Council, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis announced that Cape Town invested R9.5 billion in infrastructure in the 2024/25 financial year — the most ever spent by a South African metro. With 92% of the capital budget delivered, it's a rare feat in South Africa's current municipal landscape. And at the heart of this record spending? Safety and Security. Reclaiming the city, street by street South Africa is often perceived as a risky travel destination, with concerns about violent crime and safety dominating international headlines, despite significant variation in actual risk across regions and cities. With 99.7% of its R472 million capital budget spent, the City's Safety and Security Directorate was the year's top performer, directing funds toward upgraded fire stations, new vehicles, metro police training facilities, and advanced safety tech like CCTV, bodycams and digital systems. 'This performance really speaks to their intent to do whatever it takes to make our city safer and take back our neighbourhoods from criminals,' said Mayor Hill-Lewis. There has been a strategic push to make security more visible and responsive, with over 700 new municipal police officers - including ward-based officers and specialised teams to protect infrastructure and service delivery workers planned under the upcoming 2025/26 'Invested in Hope' budget. Broader Crime Trends & Safety Interventions With the City's substantial investment in safety and security, the key question remains: has it made Cape Town's streets any safer? Encouragingly, Western Cape crime statistics for the third quarter of 2024/2025 show a notable decline across several key categories Overall murder rate: Dropped 8% in Q3 of 2024/25, though absolute numbers remain high (1,095 vs 1,198 cases year-on-year). Significant decreases in murder rates were reported in Gugulethu, Khayelitsha and Nyanga. In the Cape Town CBD, the Central City Improvement District (CCID) reported over a 50% drop in robbery, theft, and shoplifting between November and January, thanks to visible patrols by 323 Public Safety Officers complemented by law enforcement operations. Other notable crime decreases included: - 12% decrease in attempted murder - 5% decrease in sexual offences - 7% decrease in common robbery - 14% decrease in carjacking Investing in the basics that make cities safer While safety tech and boots on the ground are critical, Cape Town's broader investment strategy reflects an understanding that infrastructure is safety. A reliable water system, working streetlights, unclogged drains and efficient public transport all create an environment where communities can thrive and crime struggles to take root. Highlights from the infrastructure investment include: R4 billion spent by Water & Sanitation, with 95% of budget executed — including pipe replacements, pump station upgrades and future drought-proofing measures. R3.5 billion earmarked for road upgrades and congestion relief in the coming years. R1 billion set aside for streetlight repair and upgrades — a key deterrent to crime, particularly in vulnerable areas. R4.5 billion committed to the MyCiTi South-East Corridor, linking Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain to Wynberg/Claremont. R3.4 billion for informal settlement upgrades, and R2 billion for Community Residential Unit (CRU) improvements. 'We are building Cape Town, project by project, into a city of hope,' said Hill-Lewis. 'One with a growing economy that is able to absorb many more people into work.' Cape Town's record-breaking performance comes at a time when many other South African metros are buckling and eroding public trust. While challenges remain, especially in high-crime neighbourhoods and informal settlements, the trend is clear: Cape Town is not just talking safety; it's building it. Safety Tips for Travellers to Cape Town Cape Town is a vibrant, world-class destination, but like many global cities, it's not immune to crime. Here are a few practical tips to help you stay safe and street-smart during your next visit. Stay alert in busy or crowded areas Cape Town's CBD and popular tourist zones (such as Long Street, Greenmarket Square, and transport hubs) can attract pickpockets and opportunistic thieves, especially in crowded conditions. Keep your belongings close, zipped up, and ideally in front of you. Don't display valuables openly Cell‑phone snatching is a common petty crime, often carried out by quick grab-and-run tactics on sidewalks or near intersections. Avoid walking with your phone out or holding it loosely, particularly in quieter or unfamiliar areas. Theft from vehicles is a well-known issue, including in parts of the inner city, mountain hike parking areas, and beachfront spots. Always lock your car and never leave bags, jackets, or chargers in plain sight - even for a quick stop. Avoid walking alone at night. Use ride-hailing apps like Uber, especially after dark, and plan your route in advance to steer clear of less secure areas. Stay aware, not afraid While Cape Town has its share of challenges, the risk of petty crime is similar to that in many major cities worldwide. Most visits are incident-free, especially when travellers exercise common sense, avoid high-risk areas, and stay informed through local advice or hotel staff.
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- The Herald Scotland
Caitlin Clark stalker gets maximum prison sentence for stalking
Lewis, 55, received the maximum sentence for the felony charge, the Marion County Prosecutor's Office told The Indianapolis Star. He also has a no-contact order with Clark for the duration of the sentence and has agreed to stay away from Gainbridge Fieldhouse and all Indiana Fever events, according to court records. CAITLIN CLARK: Rookie card sells for $660,000, breaking women's sports card record Clark told police in an interview last January that "she has been very fearful since learning of the messages and that she has altered her public appearances and patterns of movement due to fear for her safety," according to the charging affidavit. "Clark stated that she has become very concerned for her safety after learning that Lewis was in Indianapolis. Clark also stated that she doesn't know Lewis and has never responded to any of his messages or posts." An arrest affidavit for the case detailed more than 15 messages sent from Lewis' X account to Clark, and many of the messages were sexually explicit or violent. Police discovered Lewis' messages in January had come from IP addresses at a Hilton Garden Inn near Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, as well as the downtown Indianapolis Public Library. Lewis' presence in Indianapolis was concerning as he is Denton, Texas, resident, according to the affidavit. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department made contact with Lewis on Jan. 8 at his hotel room concerning the messages, according to police documents. Lewis said the posts that were threatening in nature were not from him and acknowledged, "this is just an imaginary relationship." Despite the initial encounter with law enforcement, the inappropriate messages from Lewis to Clark continued. The Marion County Prosecutors office announced Lewis' arrest on Jan. 13. "No matter how prominent a figure you are, this case shows that online harassment can quickly escalate to actual threats of physical violence," Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears said in a statement issued last January. "It takes a lot of courage for women to come forward in these cases, which is why many don't. In doing so, the victim is setting an example for all women who deserve to live and work in Indy without the threat of sexual violence." Clark has missed 13 games this season and is currently out with a right groin injury. The Fever (14-12) host the Mercury at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, July 30.
