Idaho Officials Identify 1982 Suicide Victim, Explore Potential Link to Tylenol Murders

Why it matters locally: The potential connection of the identified man to the Tylenol murders is significant for New Jersey due to Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturer of Tylenol, being headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Boise, Idaho – Idaho investigators announced Wednesday they identified a man who died in a Boise church more than 40 years ago. Officials believe the man, identified as Arthur Fredrick Reiling, could have a connection to the 1982 Tylenol murders in Chicago. Reiling died by suicide inside the church in October 1982. Authorities did not release his name at the time of his death. Investigators established Reiling's identity through DNA analysis. They collected a sample from his remains and processed it through public genealogy databases. These databases helped them locate distant relatives, which led to a positive identification. Detectives discovered Reiling previously worked at a Johnson & Johnson manufacturing facility that produced Tylenol products. This employment detail prompted investigators to examine whether Reiling had any involvement in the 1982 Tylenol poisoning cases. The Tylenol murders involved seven deaths in the Chicago metropolitan area. Individuals consumed Tylenol capsules that contained cyanide. The crime remains unsolved. Authorities have never formally charged anyone in connection with the poisonings. Idaho investigators have not released further details regarding the nature of the potential connection between Reiling and the Tylenol murders. They stated the investigation remains ongoing.