A Vial of Betrayal: The Visine Poisoning in Waukesha County
- 608areascanner
- Sep 10
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 10
In April 2024, a Waukesha County judge sentenced Jessy Kurczewski, 39, to life in prison for the 2018 poisoning death of her longtime friend, Lynn Hernan, in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. The case became known nationally as the “Visine poisoning”, after prosecutors revealed that Kurczewski killed Hernan by spiking her water with an excessive amount of over-the-counter eye drops.
Background
Authorities were called to Hernan’s home in October 2018, where the 62-year-old beautician was found unresponsive. At first, the death appeared to be a suicide: she was discovered with crushed pills scattered on her chest and nearby. However, toxicology results told a different story.
Tests revealed fatal levels of tetrahydrozoline, the active ingredient in Visine. Investigators determined that Kurczewski had emptied as many as six bottles of eye drops into Hernan’s water, creating a lethal dose.
Motive and Theft
Beyond the poisoning, prosecutors said Kurczewski was financially exploiting Hernan. Evidence presented in court showed that she stole nearly $300,000 from her friend’s accounts, draining funds for her own use. Investigators alleged that staging the scene as a suicide was intended to cover both the theft and the murder.
Trial and Conviction
The trial began in late 2023. Jurors heard from medical experts, investigators, and financial analysts who traced Hernan’s missing money. The defense argued that Hernan may have chosen to ingest the substance herself, but prosecutors countered with evidence of Kurczewski’s lies, inconsistencies, and motive for financial gain.
In October 2023, after several days of deliberation, the jury found Kurczewski guilty of first-degree intentional homicide and two counts of theft.
Sentencing
In April 2024, Judge Jennifer Dorow handed down the sentence: life in prison, with eligibility for parole after 30 years. During the hearing, friends of the victim delivered emotional statements, describing Hernan as kind, generous, and undeserving of such betrayal. One friend described Kurczewski’s actions as “pure evil” and said, “The devil awaits you. I hope you rot in hell.”
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