American who poisoned homeless people’s food and then filmed them indicted

A 38-year-old man has been charged in California with poisoning eight homeless people and subsequently filming their suffering. Several victims had to be treated in hospitals after the crime.

The attorney of Orange County reported that the suspect put oleoresin capsicum in the food of the homeless. That is an extract of chili plants, which “was twice as strong as the pepper spray used by the police”.

The man had told some homeless people in advance that they would participate in a spicy food competition. He had given beer to others to entice them to eat the secretly poisoned food.

Some homeless people experienced severe pain, difficulty breathing, or vomiting. “These people were chosen as victims because they are defenseless,” said the prosecutor.

He called it a “sick form of entertainment”. The authorities are currently looking for possible other victims.

The man was arrested as early as May. If convicted, he could be sentenced to 19 years in prison.