The 1982 Tylenol poisoning murders, the chief reason why the tamper-proof packages of modern over-the-counter medications must be broken into with, at minimum, a chainsaw, are being investigated again in light of new tips and new forensic techniques. Well, that only took 28 years.

The prime suspect served time in prison for extortion related to the poisonings, but there was never enough evidence to connect him to the deaths of five Chicago-area people in 1982. Now, a grand jury has asked for fingerprints and DNA samples from the suspect and his wife.

Grand juries in Cook and DuPage counties are weighing evidence in the case, sources said. This week’s action in Middlesex Superior Court in Massachusetts resulted from a subpoena by DuPage authorities.

Sources have said charges are not believed to be imminent, but the case remains a priority for investigators in both counties and the Chicago office of the FBI.

The 25th anniversary of the deaths led to new publicity and new tips, according to the FBI.

Tylenol murders: Suspect in 1982 murders ordered to give DNA samples, sources say [Chicago Tribune]

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