A new Netflix documentary titled “Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders” revisits the harrowing events of 1982 that resulted in the deaths of seven individuals after they ingested Tylenol capsules contaminated with cyanide. This case not only caused widespread fear but also led to one of the largest investigations in U.S. history.
Among the suspects featured in the documentary is James Lewis, who has a complex background. Abandoned at birth in Missouri and later adopted, Lewis faced emotional challenges growing up. He attended the University of Missouri in Kansas City and, after marrying his wife, they welcomed a daughter together. Tragically, their daughter suffered from a heart defect and passed away at a young age.
While living in Chicago for a brief period in the 1980s, Lewis claimed he was in New York City during the time of the Tylenol poisonings. His past includes accusations surrounding the murder of a friend and criminal involvement in credit card and identity theft. Police discovered evidence of a credit card scheme and draft extortion letters during a search of his residence, which made him a person of interest in the Tylenol case.
Lewis gained notoriety after writing a letter to Johnson & Johnson, warning of killings and demanding $1 million to cease the murders. This letter led to his arrest for extortion, resulting in a ten-year prison sentence. He maintained his innocence throughout, participating in the documentary to share his side of the story. Lewis died in July 2023 at the age of 76 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The documentary not only dives into the chilling case but also explores the lingering impacts on public perception regarding product safety. It’s a reminder of how trust was shattered during this crisis, yet it also highlights the importance of vigilance in consumer safety standards.
The series is now available for streaming on Netflix and offers viewers a comprehensive look at one of the most infamous criminal cases in American history.