Shivangi Sinha
The Tylenol murder case began with the death of 12-year-old Mary Kellerman. Initially, there were few answers surrounding her sudden passing, but as time went on, more details began to emerge, gradually shedding light on a pattern of deaths from consuming the commonly used drug, Tylenol. Mary’s death would eventually become a pivotal part of a larger investigation that shook the nation. Netflix’s ‘Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders’ provides a comprehensive look into the chain of events that followed and highlights Mary’s story as a central focus in uncovering the truth behind the case.
Mary Kellerman Passed Away Shortly After Her Parents Gave Her Tylenol
Mary Kellerman was born on March 9, 1970, and was the only child of Jeanna and Dennis Kellerman. She grew up in a warm and modest home in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, surrounded by love. As their only daughter, Mary was adored not just by her parents but also by her grandparents, James and Jean Gilson and Patricia Kellerman. They cherished her deeply and she was the apple of their eyes. Mary was a kind-hearted and respectful child, always smiling and easily liked by everyone who met her. Her parents enrolled her at Jane Addams Junior High School in Schaumburg, Illinois, where she was doing well and thriving both academically and socially.
Mary was also an active member of her community. As she grew older, she became known as a reliable and helpful babysitter for neighborhood families. She had recently developed a love for horseback riding and would often go riding with her parents whenever possible. On the morning of September 29, 1982, Mary, then a seventh grader, woke up complaining of a sore throat and a runny nose. Since these were common symptoms, her parents gave her an Extra-Strength Tylenol capsule and encouraged her to rest. Moments later, she collapsed in the bathroom. She was rushed to the hospital, but despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead shortly after.
Mary Kellerman’s Death Was Linked to Cyanide-Laced Tylenol Pills
Mary Kellerman’s sudden death was especially shocking because she had no underlying health conditions. Initially, doctors suspected she may have suffered a stroke, but the situation quickly became more puzzling. Later that same day, three more individuals—Adam Janus, his brother Stanley, and his sister-in-law Theresa—also died in a similarly abrupt and unexplained manner. Investigators soon discovered that each of the victims had taken Tylenol shortly before their deaths. Mary’s mother, Jeanna Kellerman, had purchased a new bottle of Extra-Strength Tylenol on September 28, 1982, from the Jewel Food Store at 948 Grove Mall in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. That bottle was found to be laced with cyanide.
In 1982, six deaths, including that of Mary’s, were linked to cyanide-laced Extra-Strength Tylenol capsules, leading to widespread panic across the US. The incidents, collectively known as the Tylenol murders, caused fear and confusion as authorities scrambled to determine the cause. Shelves were cleared, public warnings were issued, and Johnson & Johnson swiftly pulled 31 million bottles of Tylenol from the market in a massive recall effort. Despite a nationwide investigation involving the FBI and local law enforcement, no one has ever been charged in connection with the poisonings. The case remains unsolved to this day. In 1983, families of victims, including Mary’s parents, filed a civil lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, alleging negligence in failing to ensure the product’s safety. The company settled the matter privately, and the terms were not publicly disclosed.
Read More: Paula Prince: Who Was the Tylenol Victim? What Happened to Her?
