Murder by Medicine

In November 1988, 17-year-old Junko Furuta disappeared on her way home from work, beginning a 44-day ordeal that would shock Japan and expose devastating failures by individuals, communities, and the justice system. This episode explores Junko’s life before the tragedy, the events surrounding her abduction, the phone calls that kept her family from knowing the truth, and the lasting impact of a case that continues to raise questions about accountability and bystander responsibility.

In the fall of 1982, Chicago was gripped by fear as seven innocent lives were lost to something millions of Americans trusted: Tylenol. 

In March 2007, 22-year-old British teacher Lindsay Hawker vanished in Tokyo. Hours later, her body was discovered buried in sand inside a bathtub on a quiet apartment balcony. The prime suspect? Tatsuya Ichihashi, a man who escaped police that same day and went on the run for over two years.

They were told it wasn’t poison. But it was. Back in the 1920s, when women painted watch dials with radium paint, they were told that it was safe to lick their brushes. But their dazzling job came with a horrific cost. Jaws crumbled. Bones shattered. And a fight for justice began against one of America’s most powerful industries. This is the haunting story of the Radium Girls whose glow-in-the-dark tragedy changed labor rights forever.

The one who was meant to save lives. The one in the white coat. But instead, a trail of death was left by the notorious Dr. Michael Swango. In this episode, we unravel the chilling story of a murderer-physician, who weaponized trust, poisoned patients, and evaded justice for years. From his disturbing behavior in medical school to his global spree of suspected murder, we explore how Swango manipulated and exploited institutional failures.

A little bit of arsenic, lead, and belladonna, here and there to concoct the deadly poison known as Aqua Tofana. Disguised as the Manna of St. Nicholas, this poison became a deadly tool for women seeking to escape their abusive marriages. In this episode, multiple factors such as why this poison was used, its creator, Giulia’s underground business, and how her deadly product led to over 600 deaths. Was this murder justifiable, given the oppressive circumstances women faced?

People often consider those closest to them as having good intentions. In this case of thallium poisoning from the 90s, that statement is proven false. Within this story, webbed with jealousy and deception, lies an innocent girl whose “friend”, motivated by envy, wrecked her hopeful future through a chemical known as thallium. 
 
This is the tale of Zhu Ling.