Wyoming Grad Student Arrested for Poisoning Researcher
A University of Wyoming microbiology graduate student was arrested on October 6 at Los Angeles International Airport after investigators discovered she allegedly poisoned a fellow researcher’s drinking water, CTV News reported.
How the Investigation Uncovered Acrylamide Poisoning in Laramie
The victim, a graduate student whose identity has been withheld by investigators, began experiencing numbness in his left arm and fingertips, alongside weakness in his legs. As his physical and cognitive functions deteriorated, he frequently mentioned to professors that the hot water in his office tasted unusual. According to a university chemist who assisted with testing, a white powder discovered near the student’s coffee pot and water bottle was found to contain acrylamide, a neurotoxin.
Suyama, a chemist at the university, stated that laboratory analysis revealed concentrations far exceeding anything found in normal food products. Mark Gomelsky, the overseeing professor for both students, remarked that the symptoms matched acrylamide exposure, which kills neurons.
Surveillance Footage and eBay Purchases Linked to the Suspect
University police and the victim installed cameras in their shared office space in Room 6003 of the Agriculture Building. Footage from late September and early October captured Aili Wang, a 32-year-old Chinese national, handling the victim’s desk items. Just after midnight on October 1, surveillance video showed Wang rinsing out the victim’s coffee mug with a liquid from her own container, according to a police affidavit.
Investigators obtained records showing an eBay account purchased acrylamide twice—once in late August, which was delivered in early September. When questioned by a campus police detective on October 5, Wang denied using acrylamide in years.
Airport Arrest and Bond Modifications in Wyoming Court
Prosecutors filed a felony aggravated assault and battery charge against Wang on October 6. Airport police intercepted her at Terminal 7 of Los Angeles International Airport while she allegedly attempted to board a flight to China. Authorities seized multiple laptops, external storage devices, and written materials from her possession. Because Wang was in the United States on a temporary visa and the United States has no bilateral agreement for extradition with China, prosecutors successfully argued for a bond increase.
Judge Robert J. Sanford of Wyoming’s Second Judicial Court raised Wang’s bond to $1.5 million cash only and imposed a strict no-travel restriction, requiring her to surrender all travel documents. The maximum penalty for felony aggravated assault and battery in Wyoming is up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.