Woman is arrested after trying to poison her husband by spiking his drink with EYE DROPS
An Iowa woman is accused of poisoning her husband by spiking his drink with eye drops.
Daisy Anne Zantjer, 39, was arrested last Tuesday and charged with two counts of administering a noxious substance and two counts of domestic violence, battery or mental illness. CBS affiliate KCCI 8News reported.
Zantjer is alleged to have contaminated her husband’s drink at least twice in July 2023 with tetrahydrozoline, a decongestant used in eye drops that helps relieve itching and redness in the eyes but is toxic if ingested.
Her husband, named in documents as Allan Zantjer, survived but went to the hospital when he had trouble breathing. He had contacted Pleasantville police to confess that he suspected his wife was poisoning him.
Zantjer remains behind bars on $12,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Thursday, WHO 13 News reported.
Daisy Anne Zantjer, 39, was arrested last Tuesday and charged with two counts of administering a noxious substance and two counts of domestic violence, battery or mental illness.
Zantjer poses with her husband in November 2023. She was accused of spiking her husband’s drink with tetrahydrozoline, a dangerous chemical used in eye drops.
Tetrahydrozoline is found in popular brands such as Visine and Visine AC and works by ‘temporarily narrowing the blood vessels in the eye, WebMD mention.
WebMD’s website states that medications containing this ingredient should not be used for more than three to four days in a row.
The National Capital Poison Center explains the dangers of swallowing eye drops. When taken in large doses, it can cause low blood pressure, drowsiness, and a dangerously slow heart rate.
In addition, heart rhythm disturbances and breathing problems may also occur.
Doctors are warning people to keep eye drops out of reach of young children and to call poison control immediately if they have been ingested.
Pleasantville Police Chief Joe Mrstik told CBS local KCCI 8News that it’s “a very sad case. This is a man, woman and children.”
In a bizarre twist, Zantjer posted several videos warning viewers about the toxic chemicals in their products, as well as sharing tips for living chemical-free.
In one clip, she can even be seen pointing out the dangerous chemicals in a bottle of shampoo, she announced on social media.
In an October 2018 post, she wrote, “I am a Christian woman who wants to do what is right for her family. Part of that is keeping them free from harmful chemicals and other toxins that can destroy their bodies.”
When DailyMail.com contacted Pleasantville Police Chief Mrstik on Monday, they were told he was out of the office and also retired. Another police official said they “could not release any information on the case.”
However, the police confirmed that Law and Crime that the chemical-free Zantjer turns out to be the same woman who is behind bars for allegedly poisoning her husband.
Charging documents filed in Marion County Superior Court late last month confirm Daisy’s husband’s name is Allan Zantjer.
“Daisy Zantjer admitted during an interview that she administered a harmful substance, tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride, to her husband Allan Zantjer on two occasions in July 2023,” the documents said.
‘On or about the date and time above stated, the defendant, Daisy Zantjer, administered a noxious substance known as Tetrahydrozoline to her husband, Allan Zantjer.’
Other details point to alleged domestic violence: ‘On or about the date and time stated above, the suspect committed domestic violence against Allan Zantjer, causing him injury by unknowingly slipping tetrahydrozoline into his drink.’
The charging documents were filed in Marion County on July 30
The suspect did indeed commit domestic violence against Allan Zantjer, causing him to suffer bodily harm, according to the charging document.
The mother of two smiles for the camera as she enjoys a meal, her social media account reports
She is seen kissing her husband Allan on their 9th wedding anniversary
On Zantjer’s Facebook, she often posted photos of herself at church and other family milestones. One of the photos from 2019 is of the couple celebrating their anniversary.
“Happy Birthday to this wonderful husband of mine,” she wrote. “Nine crazy years and counting. He captured a candid moment of my crunching lobster claws and mussels.
“I don’t normally wear makeup, but in this case I made an exception. And what’s even better is that we rode my husband’s motorcycle there and back. I love you, Allan!”
On Saturday, August 3, they celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary.
In 2020, Zantjer posted a photo of the laughing couple from 2008.
‘Oh, the memories! Look at this fine young handsome man! I love this man to bits! He has always been there for me, through thick and thin, and I am so grateful for that!
She added: “Ten amazing years! I look forward to many more in the future.”