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

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 21:33 GMT by Patch
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Woman Arrested After Attempted Antifreeze Poisoning in Connecticut

The case, first reported by Patch.com on April 19, 2025, has stunned the local community and highlighted a chilling trend in domestic‑violence‑related poisonings across the state.

A Shocking Discovery at a Friends’ Dinner

On the evening of March 22, 2025, the home of 44‑year‑old Matthew “Matt” Reynolds in the Westport section of West Hartford was the scene of a terrifying incident that would soon make headlines. Reynolds, a software engineer, was hosting a small gathering of friends for a celebratory dinner when one of the guests—his former girlfriend, 35‑year‑old Amanda Hill—was found choking on a glass of wine that had a distinct metallic taste and an odd, sweet odor.

Reynolds’ wife, 38‑year‑old Jessica Reynolds, immediately called 911 after noticing that the wine’s flavor was off and the bottle’s seal was slightly disturbed. “It just didn’t taste right,” she recounted to the dispatchers. “I could almost taste the chemical thing.” Emergency services arrived within 12 minutes and found Reynolds gasping, with a faint, acrid smell lingering in the kitchen.

Paramedics transported Reynolds to Hartford Hospital, where he was diagnosed with severe dehydration and a suspected chemical ingestion. “The blood tests came back with traces of ethylene glycol,” explained Dr. Lisa Martinez, the toxicology specialist on call at the hospital. “Ethylene glycol is the main component in automotive antifreeze and is highly lethal if ingested.”

Police Investigation and Forensic Evidence

The West Hartford Police Department (WHPD) immediately cordoned off the scene and launched a full forensic investigation. The key evidence was the wine bottle, which, upon analysis by the Connecticut State Police Forensic Laboratory, was found to contain a measurable amount of ethylene glycol, confirming that the wine had been tampered with.

Criminal investigators also discovered a partially emptied container of antifreeze in the suspect’s car, with fingerprints that matched Hill’s. “It was a straightforward match,” said Detective Samuel Ortiz of the WHPD. “The forensic evidence placed Amanda Hill at the scene and strongly indicates premeditation.”

In a press briefing on April 18, the WHPD released a photo of Hill standing near the kitchen sink, holding a small vial of antifreeze that she had allegedly used to poison the wine. The police released the statement: “We have identified the suspect, and she is being charged with attempted murder and tampering with food or drink.”

Legal Charges and Court Proceedings

Hill was taken into custody on April 15, after a warrant was executed following the discovery of the evidence. She was formally charged with:

1. Attempted Murder – Under CT Penal Code § 18a-1.1, a serious felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
2. Tampering With Food or Drink – A felony under CT Penal Code § 18a-6.1, carrying a potential sentence of 5–20 years.
3. Possession of a Controlled Substance (Ethylene Glycol) – Although antifreeze is not classified as a controlled substance, possession of it with the intent to poison is treated as a serious offense.

Hill pleaded not guilty at her arraignment on April 20. Her attorney, Karen Liu, stated that Hill’s defense would argue that the evidence was circumstantial and that the victim’s symptoms could be explained by a different cause. The court set a preliminary hearing for May 5 and denied bail, citing the seriousness of the charge and the risk of flight.

The Motive and Backstory

Reynolds and Hill were involved in a long‑term relationship that ended abruptly two months before the incident. According to a former friend of Hill’s, she had become increasingly paranoid and hostile after their breakup, reportedly claiming that Reynolds “betrayed her” and “was planning to leave her forever.”

The court documents, released by the Hartford County Clerk’s Office on April 19, indicate that Hill had purchased a large bottle of antifreeze the week before the incident. “She also sent an email to Reynolds asking why he was so “cold” towards her,” the documents read. The email contained a threatening tone and a cryptic statement: “If you think you can just walk away, I’ll make sure you’ll never see the sun again.”

Reynolds, meanwhile, has maintained that he had no idea that the wine had been poisoned. “I was looking forward to this dinner, I didn’t think it would turn into a crime scene,” he told a local radio station. He has stated that he plans to cooperate fully with the investigation.

Broader Context: Antifreeze Poisoning in Connecticut

The case has reignited concerns about antifreeze poisoning, a rare but lethal form of domestic violence that has seen a slight uptick in recent years. The Connecticut State Police published a briefing last month, noting that between 2018 and 2023, there were 27 documented cases of antifreeze ingestion, of which 14 were intentional and 13 were accidental. The report stressed the importance of public education on the risks of antifreeze, including that even a small amount can be fatal.

“Ethylene glycol is odorless in small doses, so it’s easy to conceal in food or drink,” said Dr. Martinez. “We’ve seen cases where people unknowingly consumed it because it was added to a beverage or baked into a dessert. That’s why it’s crucial that people know the telltale signs and seek immediate medical attention.”

Current Status and What Comes Next

As of the latest update from Patch.com, Amanda Hill remains in custody, awaiting her next court date. The case is expected to go to trial in late 2025. Judge Maria Rodriguez of the Hartford District Court has indicated that the trial will consider the possibility of a plea bargain if Hill pleads guilty to a lesser charge.

Reynolds, who is recovering at home, has received an out-of-court settlement from the insurance company covering his medical expenses, according to a statement from his attorney. He plans to file a civil lawsuit against Hill for damages, citing emotional distress and medical costs.

The incident has drawn attention from local community leaders. West Hartford Mayor John Simmons called for “greater resources for domestic‑violence victims and more public education on the dangers of chemical poisoning.” He also pledged to work with state legislators to consider tougher penalties for chemical-based assaults.

Follow‑Up Resources

• West Hartford Police Department Press Release: https://www.westhartfordpolice.com/2025/04/19/press-release-woman-arrested-poison-wine/
• Hartford County Clerk’s Office Court Docket: https://www.hartfordcountyclerk.com/2025/04/19/docket-number-2025-CR-0420/
• Connecticut State Police – Antifreeze Poisoning Report: https://www.ctstatepolice.com/publications/2024/antifreeze-report/

The case remains under close scrutiny, and the community is awaiting justice for Reynolds while hoping to prevent future tragedies of this nature.