[net.followup] A Tylenol Theory

bcw (10/10/82)

From:	Bruce C. Wright @ Duke University
Re:	A Tylenol Theory (non-conspiracy)

The idea expressed (someone wanting to do away with somebody but
throwing the cops off the trail by making it part of a "random"
series of murders) was also used by Agatha Cristie (sp?) in her
book "The ABC murders" - also too good to spoil by giving any
more details.  I'm not aware that this has *actually* been done
in any murder plot though.

			Bruce C. Wright @ Duke University

rs55611 (10/11/82)

In response to the Tylenol theory mentioned, the police have looked
into the possibility of someone using random murders as a cover-up
for a single intended murder. Whether this theory has already been
dismissed or not, I couldn't say. Another theory that has been
examined is that the murders were intended to cause a drop in
Johnson and Jonson (whoops) stock, which would be taken advantage of
by short-selling the stock or options. Apparantly this theory
has been checked and abandoned.