Netflix Revisits Unsolved 1982 Tylenol Murders Killing Seven in Chicago

The 1982 Tylenol Murders involved seven deaths in the Chicago area caused by cyanide-laced Tylenol capsules, triggering nationwide panic and a major public health crisis. This case led to one of the largest U.S. criminal investigations, significant product recalls, and the introduction of tamper-proof packaging and federal laws against tampering. Netflix's docuseries "Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders" revisits the events, featuring interviews with investigators, victim families, and James Lewis, the main suspect who was convicted of extortion but never linked by DNA to the poisonings. Lewis consistently denied involvement and gave a final eerie interview before his death in 2023, revealing a complex personality that unsettled the filmmakers. Despite extensive investigation, the murders remain unsolved, with alternative theories suggesting the capsules may have been contaminated outside the Johnson & Johnson plants. The case's legacy is profound, fundamentally changing consumer safety standards and public trust in over-the-counter medications.