George Trepal

On March 6, 1991 George James Trepal was convicted and sentenced to death for the poisoning death of his Alturus, Florida neighbor Peggy Carr. Today, he awaits his pending execution on death row in the Union Correctional Institution in Raiford, Florida.

What ionic compound was found in George Trepal garage?

Martz also testified that a white powder, which had been found in a bottle in Trepal's garage, was thallium nitrate. Whitehurst complained in his letter that Martz had misstated the significance of certain analytical tests or otherwise testified inaccurately.

Who poisoned the Carr family?

In a detached garage at Trepal's home, officers later discovered a small bottle containing residue of thallium nitrate. It became the evidence that linked Trepal to the poisonings next door. A jury later found Trepal guilty on 15 counts, including first-degree murder, attempted murder, poisoning and product tampering.

What is thallium used for?

Thallium has not been produced in the United States since 1984, but is imported for use in the manufacture of electronics, low temperature thermometers, optical lenses, and imitation precious jewels. It also has use in some chemical reactions and medical procedures.

Where does Florida execute prisoners?

Florida administers executions by lethal injection or electric chair at the execution chamber located at Florida State Prison. The three-legged electric chair was constructed from oak by Department of Corrections personnel in 1998 and was installed at Florida State Prison (FSP) in Raiford in 1999.

What foods is thallium in?

The four vegetables with the highest thallium levels (watercress, radish, turnip and green cabbage) were all Brassicaceous plants, followed by the Chenopods beet and spinach. ...

• Thallium.
• Iberis intermedia.
• Phytoremediation.
• Phytomining.
• Green bean.
• Beetroot.
• Green cabbage.
• Lettuce.

Is thallium toxic to humans?

Thallium can affect your nervous system, lung, heart, liver, and kidney if large amounts are eaten or drunk for short periods of time. Temporary hair loss, vomiting, and diarrhea can also occur and death may result after exposure to large amounts of thallium for short periods.

When was thallium banned?

Thallium was also widely used as a rodenticide. Its use as a household rodenticide was banned in the United States in 1965 after multiple unintentional poisonings. Commercial use was banned a decade later.

Is the electric chair painful?

Experts for the state testified the shock delivered by the electric chair is so great and the use of ammunition that shatters when it hits bone creating a number of fragments to destroy the heart means almost immediate loss of consciousness and no pain, retired forensic pathologist Dr. D'Michelle DuPre said.

Why do death row inmates get a last meal?

Over the course of human history, the tradition of last meal evolved. "The Puritans of Massachusetts once held grand feasts for the condemned, believing it emulated the Last Supper of Christ, representing a communal atonement for the community and the prisoner," read a portion of the paper.

Do Florida prisons have air conditioning?

According to the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC), 18 of its 50 state prisons have air-conditioned dorms. Only about 24 percent of housing units in the state-run prisons have any air conditioning.

Is broccoli high in thallium?

In a recent study, molecular biologist Ernie Hubbard found that kale—along with cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and collard greens—is a hyper-accumulator of heavy metals like thallium and cesium.

How does the body get rid of thallium?

Prussian blue (PB) has been the most commonly prescribed antidote to treat thallium poisoning; however, its availability is limited in many locations. Besides PB, blood purification treatments are also a beneficial treatment option, especially for patients with severe thallium poisoning.

Why is thallium so poisonous?

Thallium is a suspected human carcinogen. Part of the reason for thallium's high toxicity is that when present in aqueous solution as the univalent thallium(I) ion (Tl+) it exhibits some similarities with essential alkali metal cations, particularly potassium (owing to similar ionic radii).

What is the strongest poison?

1. Botulinum toxin. Scientists differ about the relative toxicities of substances, but they seem to agree that botulinum toxin, produced by anaerobic bacteria, is the most toxic substance known. Its LD50 is tiny – at most 1 nanogram per kilogram can kill a human.

How can I tell if I am being slowly poisoned?

General symptoms of poisoning can include:

• feeling and being sick.
• diarrhoea.
• stomach pain.
• drowsiness, dizziness or weakness.
• high temperature.
• chills (shivering)
• loss of appetite.
• headache.

What poison causes black tongue?

Medications that contain bismuth, such as Pepto-Bismol, can cause tongue discoloration that may appear dark purple or black.

How much thallium is toxic to humans?

Internationally thallium toxicity is common in developing countries; however, little data is available. Six percent to 15% has been reported for acute thallium toxicity. Ten to 15 mg/kg is a lethal dose for humans. Death can still occur at lower dosages.

Can thallium poisoning be detected?

Cases of known thallium exposure may be confirmed easily by early blood testing with quantitative atomic absorption. The diagnosis of thallium poisoning may not be considered until several days after exposure – typically when hair loss begins – by which time blood levels may have decreased significantly.

How long does thallium stay in the body?

It can be found in urine as long as 2 months after exposure. About half the thallium that enters various parts of your body leaves them within 3 days.