Attempted Murder Charges Filed Against Missouri Woman
A Missouri woman has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly poisoning her husband, according to officials.
The Jefferson County Police Department released a statement detailing the investigation into the incident, which began on January 16. The victim reported experiencing unexplained illness and suspected that his wife, identified as 37-year-old Sarah Scheffer, was intentionally poisoning him.
According to court documents reviewed by CBS affiliate KRCG, the man claimed that his wife had been adding substances to his food and drinks for approximately six weeks. He described symptoms including fatigue, confusion, blurred vision, dry mouth, and nausea.
During the investigation, the victim showed law enforcement a photo of a green bowl containing a root, which he claimed was connected to the alleged poisoning. He also provided a video of Scheffer making a smoothie using the contents of the bowl. The smoothie was subsequently submitted to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Laboratory for testing.
According to a news release by the police, a substance used by a woman contained cardiac glycosides, which can slow down the heart and cause irregular heart rhythm. The substance, known as lily of the valley, can also lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, confusion, blurred vision, and more. The woman, identified as Scheffer, admitted to putting lily of the valley in her husband's food, knowing that it was illegal and would cause harm. She has been charged with attempted murder and armed criminal action. Scheffer was arrested on Tuesday and taken to the Cole County Jail.
