Crime Junkie

MURDERED: Mary Yoder Part 1

40 snips
Mar 16, 2026
A sudden, unexplained death that looks like a medical mystery turns into a poisoning probe. Toxicology points to a lethal drug and investigators chase odd timelines, missing disclosures, and family distrust. Anonymous accusations, hidden bottles, and competing alibis escalate suspicion and push detectives to dig into relationships and motives.
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INSIGHT

Colchicine Caused Rapid Fatal Toxicity

  • Colchicine poisoning explained the mysterious rapid decline and organ damage that looked like aggressive chemotherapy in Mary Yoder's autopsy.
  • Dr. Kenneth Clark found tissue changes and toxicology eventually identified lethal colchicine nearly two months after her July 22, 2015 death.
INSIGHT

Accidental Sources Ruled Out Pointing To Intent

  • Investigators ruled out accidental sources like garden plants and contaminated supplements after testing Mary's garden, supplements, and office items.
  • With common explanations excluded, the inquiry shifted toward intentional poisoning by someone with access.
INSIGHT

Notification Failures Delayed Investigation

  • Initial investigative gaps occurred because the medical examiner didn't notify police and family weren't informed, delaying a formal criminal inquiry.
  • Oneida County opened a case only after Mary's sisters pushed for answers in mid-October 2015.
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