Friday, April 17, 2026 - A man allegedly poisoned his co-worker's water bottle and shoes with lab chemicals after the victim received a promotion that he wanted.
According to a press release from the University of
Wisconsin-Madison Police Department, authorities responded to a research lab on
the university's campus after receiving a report of “an unknown odor coming
from items in an office.”
Upon retrieving the items in question, authorities found
that the suspicious items tested positive “for the presence of a chemical.”
Shortly after the investigation began, 41-year-old Makoto
Kuroda, who worked at the UW-Madison's Influenza Research Institute with the
victim since 2017, texted a coworker to confess to the crime, local
outlet WISC reported.
"I did it," Kuroda allegedly wrote. “I have also
informed the person himself.”
Kuroda was arrested and allegedly told police that he put
the chemicals in the victim's belongings because the victim received a
promotion that he wanted.
Additionally, he reportedly complained about other issues
like how the victim did not wear a lab coat or goggles.
Kuroda allegedly said that he mixed 0.5 milliliters of 4%
paraformaldehyde into the victim's water bottle and 1.5 milliliters of Trizol
and 1.5 milliliters of 4% paraformaldehyde into each shoe.
He further explained that 10 milliliters of paraformaldehyde
could potentially k!ll someone if consumed.
WISC reported that Kuroda was banned from all campus
laboratories.
Police said Kuroda was charged with second-degree reckless
endangering safety.
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