A Missouri woman, Michelle Peters, 47, has been arrested for allegedly attempting to kill her husband by poisoning his Mountain Dew with the toxic weed killer Roundup. She faces charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action and is currently held without bond in the Laclede County Detention Center.
Peters, a mother and esthetician, reportedly added the toxic substance to her husband’s soda on several occasions between May and June. The Laclede County Sheriff’s Office revealed that video footage provided by the victim shows Peters spiking her husband’s drink with insecticide.
The victim first noticed an odd taste in his diet soda around May 1 but continued to consume it. Within a few weeks, he began experiencing a range of symptoms, including a sore throat, coughing up mucus, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Suspecting that his drink was being tampered with, especially since he was the only one in the household who drank Mountain Dew, he started investigating.
When confronted about his illness, Peters allegedly dismissed it as COVID-19 and advised him to stay away from their grandchildren. However, the victim suspected her motives might be linked to his $500,000 life insurance policy. His suspicions led him to install a camera, capturing footage of Peters poisoning his beverages stored in the garage fridge.
During police interviews, Peters provided a convoluted explanation, admitting to mixing Roundup with the soda, claiming she intended to use the concoction as a weed killer. She also admitted to putting insecticide in her husband’s Mountain Dew, mistakenly thinking his soda was a bottle of Roundup. Peters justified her actions by saying her husband was selfish and that they had ongoing relationship issues.
She was reportedly angry at her husband for not appreciating a 50th birthday party she organized for him, leading her to spike his drinks to “be mean” to him. Glyphosate, a chemical present in Roundup, poses serious health risks if ingested, including increased saliva, mouth and throat pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially lethal consequences.
Peters is currently awaiting a bond review hearing scheduled for July 2. Her husband survived the ordeal, but his current condition is unknown. The incident has shocked the local community, raising concerns about domestic violence and the misuse of toxic substances.
This case underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing signs of domestic abuse and the potential for toxic substances to be misused in harmful ways. It also highlights the need for clear communication and vigilance within households to ensure the safety and well-being of all members.
As the investigation continues, authorities are likely to examine all aspects of the case, including Peters’ motives and the extent of her actions. The community and the victim’s family hope for a resolution that brings justice and safety to all involved.