The Department of Homeland Security warned law enforcement in a January 2026 intelligence bulletin of an increasing trend in domestic partner poisonings.

Domestic partners are increasingly likely to use chemical and biological toxins such as cyanide, ricin, antifreeze, fentanyl, and tetrahydrozoline from eye drops to kill or injure their spouses, the bulletin stated. These substances often mimic natural illnesses with subtle or delayed symptoms, complicating detection and prosecution. The bulletin, prepared by DHS's Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction office, cited 17 cases since 2014 resulting in at least 11 deaths, with more than half occurring in the last five years.

A prominent example involved Colorado dentist James Craig, who was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison for poisoning his wife Angela's protein shakes with arsenic, cyanide, and tetrahydrozoline. She experienced dizziness and headaches, leading to three hospitalizations in 10 days before dying from a fatal cyanide dose in March 2023. Craig had purchased potassium cyanide on Amazon shortly before her death. Another case featured Utah author Kouri Richins, accused of spiking her husband's drink with fentanyl in 2022; her trial was scheduled for February 2026.

The bulletin attributed the rise to easy online access to toxins via black markets or home production, along with their perceived undetectability. Toxins can contaminate air, water, or surfaces, posing risks to children, bystanders, and first responders. "The use of chemical and biological toxins in domestic violence cases poses a significant challenge for detection and prosecution due to the often subtle and delayed onset of symptoms," the note read.

DHS expressed moderate confidence in the trend based on law enforcement reports and medical data across states. It urged greater awareness, regulation of precursor chemicals, specialized training, and forensic capabilities to counter the threat. If unchecked, the agency warned of rising fatalities and long-term health effects for survivors.

Other cases mentioned included a Connecticut woman charged with attempting to poison her husband with antifreeze and a 2014 Wisconsin incident involving ricin attempts on neighbors. The bulletin highlighted the need for improved coordination among agencies to address this evolving form of domestic violence.