Chicago Tylenol murders in the context of Tampering (crime)

⭐ Core Definition: Chicago Tylenol murders

The Chicago Tylenol murders were a series of poisoning deaths resulting from drug tampering in the Chicago metropolitan area in 1982. The victims consumed Tylenol branded acetaminophen (paracetamol) powder-filled capsules that had been adulterated with potassium cyanide. At least seven people died in the original poisonings, and there were several more deaths in subsequent copycat crimes.

No suspect has been charged or convicted of the poisonings as of 2025. New York City resident James William Lewis was convicted of extortion for sending a letter to Tylenol's then-manufacturer, Johnson & Johnson, that claimed responsibility for the deaths and demanded $1 million to stop them, but when he was discovered, he said the letter's claim was false, and further investigation failed to establish his involvement. The incidents led to a discontinuation of the use of powder-filled capsules for over-the-counter medicines, reforms in medication packaging, and federal anti-tampering laws.

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Chicago Tylenol murders in the context of Reputational risk

Reputational damage is the loss to financial capital, social capital and/or market share resulting from damage to an organization's reputation. This is often measured in lost revenue, increased operating, capital or regulatory costs, or destruction of shareholder value. Ethics violations, safety issues, security issues, a lack of sustainability, poor quality, and lack of or unethical innovation can all cause reputational damage if they become known.

Reputational damage can result from an adverse or potentially criminal event, regardless of whether the company is directly responsible for said event (as was the case of the Chicago Tylenol murders in 1982). Extreme cases may lead to large financial losses or bankruptcy, as per the case of Arthur Andersen.

View the full Wikipedia page for Reputational risk

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