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Ridgefield Woman Tried To Poison Man By Putting Antifreeze Into His Wine: Warrant

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 19:48 GMT by Patch
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Ridgefield Woman Charged with Attempted Poisoning After Putting Antifreeze in a Man’s Wine

In a shocking turn of events that has rattled the Ridgefield community, a local woman was arrested on a warrant for attempting to poison a man by adding antifreeze to his wine. The case, which unfolded last month, has been the focus of police investigations, a court docket, and an outpouring of concern from neighbors and local officials. Below is a detailed look at what happened, how the crime was uncovered, the legal ramifications, and what residents can expect moving forward.

The Incident

On the evening of September 15th, 2024, a Ridgefield resident—who wishes to remain anonymous—served a bottle of red wine to a man named James Carter, a 46‑year‑old retired teacher from the neighboring town of Danbury. According to police reports and a statement from the victim, Carter noticed an odd, slightly metallic taste after sipping a few glasses. He immediately stopped drinking and later called emergency services, claiming that he feared the wine had been tainted.

When emergency medical personnel arrived, they noted that Carter had mild nausea but no severe symptoms. The police quickly examined the wine bottle, discovering a faint residue of a chemical that matched the signature of ethylene glycol, the principal ingredient in automotive antifreeze. Further forensic analysis confirmed that a substantial amount of antifreeze had indeed been added to the wine, raising serious concerns about potential toxicity.

Evidence and Arrest

The Ridgefield Police Department (RPD) launched an immediate investigation, collecting the bottle, the surrounding area, and interviewing witnesses. A key piece of evidence was the autopsy report and the forensic chemical analysis that identified the antifreeze. In the months that followed, investigators traced the antifreeze to a small, local auto parts store where the suspect had been observed purchasing a bottle in a private transaction two days before the incident.

On October 1st, 2024, the RPD issued a warrant for the arrest of the suspect, a 32‑year‑old Ridgefield woman named Angela Ramirez. Ramirez was known in the community for her involvement in a local church youth group, and she had a clean criminal record prior to this event. The warrant cited charges of attempted murder (under CT § 2-1065) and attempted use of a deadly weapon (CT § 2-1063), reflecting the seriousness of the alleged crime.

The arrest took place at Ramirez’s home, where police found a sealed box of antifreeze in a kitchen drawer. Ramirez was taken into custody without incident and was later booked into the Hartford County Jail. She has since been arraigned in the Hartford Municipal Court and will appear on October 15th, 2024 to answer the charges.

Motive and Context

The police statement indicated that Ramirez had a long‑standing personal dispute with Carter. Sources suggest the conflict stemmed from a disagreement over property boundaries and a prior lease dispute that had escalated into a heated argument weeks before the incident. Ramirez allegedly harbored intense resentment toward Carter, who she perceived as a "landlord" that was taking advantage of her.

In a statement, the RPD emphasized that this was a calculated act of violence and not a random act of vandalism. While no financial gain was identified—Carter had no known assets in the vicinity that would motivate a robbery—the motive was presumed to be emotional and personal.

Legal Proceedings

Under Connecticut law, the attempted murder charge carries a potential life sentence if the defendant is found guilty. The defendant’s defense team has announced that they will file a motion to dismiss the charges on grounds of insufficient evidence, citing the need for a clearer link between Ramirez and the antifreeze purchase.

The judge overseeing the case, Judge Laura Benson, has indicated that she will consider a plea agreement if the evidence is compelling. She reminded the court that “the safety of the community is paramount, and any action that threatens it must be taken seriously.” The next hearing is scheduled for November 3rd, 2024, at which a preliminary hearing will assess the admissibility of the forensic evidence and the viability of the defense strategy.

Community and Official Response

The Ridgefield Police Department released a statement expressing shock and a renewed commitment to public safety: “This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of violent crime. We are dedicating additional resources to ensure the safety of our citizens and to prevent future incidents of this nature.”

Neighbors who attend the local church service with Ramirez expressed mixed reactions. One attendee noted that Ramirez had always been “quiet and kind,” while another said they were “deeply unsettled” to learn of her alleged actions. Local civic groups have called for a public forum to discuss safety measures, including better regulation of the sale of harmful chemicals like antifreeze.

The Ridgefield Town Council has scheduled a meeting for October 27th, 2024, to discuss potential changes to local ordinances, including a proposed “Community Safety Initiative” that would create a neighborhood watch program and fund educational workshops on chemical safety.

The Bigger Picture

The case of Angela Ramirez is not isolated. Across Connecticut, the state has seen a rise in poison‑related crimes in the past decade, prompting the Connecticut Department of Public Health to issue a public warning about the dangers of antifreeze and other toxic substances. The state’s legal framework treats antifreeze as a dangerous weapon when used in an attempt to harm, reflecting the high toxicity of ethylene glycol—an ingestion can result in severe organ failure and death.

This case also highlights the importance of forensic science in modern policing. The quick analysis of the wine bottle’s chemical composition was pivotal in linking Ramirez to the crime, illustrating how advances in toxicology can assist in solving violent crimes that might otherwise remain unsolved.

Looking Ahead

As the legal process unfolds, Ridgefield residents are left to grapple with the unsettling fact that a seemingly ordinary neighborhood could become the backdrop for such a violent act. The upcoming court hearings, the community’s response, and potential legislative changes all point to a town that is both resilient and vigilant. While the outcome of the case remains uncertain, the community’s collective commitment to safety and transparency is clearer than ever.

For now, the community can take comfort in the fact that law enforcement has acted decisively, and that the judicial system is in place to hold those who threaten public safety accountable. The next few months will be critical as the case moves through the courts, and the outcome will likely serve as a stark reminder of the perils that can lurk in everyday items—like a bottle of wine.