‘Crazed Chemistry Student’ Accused Of Making Ricin For Biological Weapon Use

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh “crazed chemistry student” Kyle Allen Smith, 21, has been accused of making ricin in order to “harm something living.” Smith allegedly asked his chemistry and biology teacher how to extract the oil from castor beans to make ribosomal-inhibiting proteins. Law enforcement officers are currently investigating the attempt to make the deadly concoction.

Kyle Allen Smith was arrested and charged with creating ricin. Smith allegedly told his University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh biology professor that he wanted to do something “borderline illegal” and added that he wanted to use the ribosomal-inhibiting proteins to make a biological weapon. Ricin is an extremely toxic poison that infects cells within the human body and blocks their ability to synthesize protein. Once the human cells can no longer synthesize protein, bodily organs begin the process of shutting down and death ultimately follows.

After the reckless endangerment charges were levied against him, Kyle Smith was taken into federal custody. A search warrant executed on the Wisconsin university student’s home revealed a glass vial of white powder tucked away inside a drawer in the dining room. The substance tested positive for ricin.

A notebook detailing how to create ricin was also found during the police search of Kyle Allen Smith’s home. When told that he should ask the biology professor about how oil is extracted from castor beans to make ricin, the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh student allegedly said, “They are all interested in life and I am interested in, like, ending it.”

Kyle Smith’s roommate reportedly told Oshkosh police officers that Smith had three castor bean plants in his possession, according to police reports. In a written statement given to local law enforcement by Smith on October 31, Smith admitted to making ricin using the castor beans and two other specific ingredients. The written statement also revealed that the University of Wisconsin student was planning of first testing the ricin on insects or mice. He also added how “fascinated” he was with the concept of using something living to harm something living instead of resorting to bullets to get the same result.

If the college student is found guilty, he faces 10 years in prison and up to a $250,000 in fines. Before charges could go forward, law enforcement officials had to determine if Smith would be charged with a state or a federal crime in the alleged biological weapons case. United States Attorney James Santelle announced on Monday that the Wisconsin college student would be subject to federal prosecution.

What do you think about the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh student experimenting with ricin as a biological weapon?

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