Once home, O’Bryan allowed his kids to pick a treat before bed but encouraged them to have the Pixy Stix. His daughter declined and chose a different candy, but his son Tim accepted. What Tim didn’t know was that his father had tampered with the candy. O’Bryan had added two inches of potassium cyanide to the sugary powder. After consuming the Pixy Stix, Tim immediately complained of a bitter taste. His father gave him Kool-Aid to wash it down, but the damage was done. Tim soon began vomiting and convulsing before tragically succumbing to the cyanide poisoning. O’Bryan planned to poison both of his children for insurance money. Case File 3 Date: Shortly after Halloween, 2013 Location: Salinas, California Victim: Anonymous Source: KSBW Description of Incident: Just days after Halloween in 2013, a 32-year-old woman in Salinas, California, innocently reached into her daughter’s Halloween candy stash and picked out a Snickers. Almost immediately after eating it, she began to feel strange–a combination of panic and euphoria overwhelmed her. Upon closer
inspection, the Snickers wrapper had a tiny puncture in it. The woman was taken to the hospital, where doctors found that her symptoms were similar to those of someone who had ingested LSD, a potent hallucinogen. After investigation, police believed the incident was an isolated one, though it left the community on edge. What Does This Mean? While the fear of tampered Halloween candy is a long-standing concern, parents generally don’t need to be overly worried. Verified cases of children being harmed by Halloween candy are extremely rare, and most reports of tainted candy turn out to be hoaxes, accidents, or misunderstandings. However, it’s not a bad idea to check your child’s candy after their night of knocking on strangers’ doors. When inspecting Halloween candy, here are some things to look out for: 1. Packaging Issues Torn or Unsealed Wrappers: Candy wrappers that are ripped, torn, or not fully sealed could indicate tampering. Only allow children to eat candy that is
securely wrapped. Unusual Wrapping: Homemade candy or items wrapped in plastic or foil may pose a risk if they don’t come from someone you know and trust. 2. Foreign Objects Punctures or Holes: Look for small holes or punctures in the candy packaging, which could indicate an attempt to inject something harmful. Lumps or Bumps: Feel the candy to ensure no unusual lumps or objects are embedded inside. 3. Discoloration or Strange Smells: Odd Colors: Candy with an unusual color or appearance could be contaminated. Weird Odors: If the candy smells off— chemically or strange—discard it. When Halloween rolls around, there’s no need to let fear overshadow the fun– cases of candy tampering are extremely rare. Still, it’s wise to take a few moments to inspect your child’s haul before they dig in. Trust your instincts, and if something seems off, reach out to local authorities. A little caution can help keep the spooky night safe and enjoyable for everyone.
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