Grad Student Tries to Flee U.S. After Allegedly Poisoning Colleague’s Tea: Police

A microbiology graduate student from the University of Wyoming has been accused of poisoning a fellow student’s tea with a potentially harmful substance. Aili Wang, 32, was apprehended at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on October 6 while allegedly attempting to flee to China.

According to reports, Wang is charged with aggravated assault and battery following an investigation by campus police. The chemical in question, acrylamide, is said to have been purchased through eBay. Prosecutors claim the actions were motivated by a strained relationship between Wang and the victim, referred to in court documents as “KT.”

The allegations came to light after the alleged victim began experiencing severe fatigue and sleep disturbances after attending a conference in August. He also reported a strange taste emanating from tea brewed with a small coffee maker located at his desk. Mark Gomelsky, a microbiology professor supervising both students, noted that the odd taste dissipated once the coffee maker was cleaned.

In response to growing suspicions, the victim’s wife and others coordinated to have the water tested, which confirmed the presence of acrylamide. Following this revelation, surveillance cameras were installed in the shared office to monitor activities. The development led to incriminating footage showing Wang rummaging through her colleague’s desk on September 27.

Further recordings from October 1 reportedly captured her photographing materials on the victim’s desk before washing his mug with liquid taken from her own. Investigators assert that she had made multiple purchases of acrylamide over the summer and later requested the deletion of her online account linked to the retailer.

Wang’s arrest occurred after she was spotted at LAX while allegedly trying to leave the country. Authorities seized electronic devices and documents in her possession. The victim, who has ongoing patents and is involved in research aimed at treating diseases, appeared to have research interests similar to those of Wang, though their work areas diverged at the university.

Professor Gomelsky expressed his dismay over the situation, stating that witnessing one student jeopardising another’s life has been one of the most shocking experiences in his professional career. The alleged victim continues to suffer from symptoms including concentration difficulties, fatigue, and loss of sensation in his left hand, leaving concerns about his possible recovery.

During a police interview on October 5, Wang reportedly asserted that she had not used acrylamide in years. Following her arrest, she was held without bail in Los Angeles. A court hearing led to a judge granting a request to increase her bond to a sum of £1.5 million, cash only. There are currently no updates on when extradition to Wyoming will occur.

If convicted, Wang faces a significant penalty, with the aggravated assault and battery charge potentially resulting in up to ten years of imprisonment and a fine of £10,000. In a statement, the University of Wyoming confirmed that it is proceeding with standard student conduct processes. University officials reaffirmed their dedication to the safety and security of the campus community and stressed that the allegations remain unproven, underlining that Wang is presumed innocent until demonstrated otherwise.

The incident has stirred anxiety within the academic environment at the University of Wyoming, prompting discussions about the importance of safety and vigilance in academic settings. Many in the community are now observing how the legal proceedings unfold and what implications this case may have, both for those directly involved and for the wider student body.