N.Y. Teacher Jailed in Poisoning Case
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ALBANY, N.Y. — A high school science teacher has been jailed on attempted murder and other charges after being accused of giving poisoned Christmas candy to fellow teachers.
Gary D. Kosowsky, 44, pleaded not guilty Tuesday and was jailed in lieu of $175,000 bail. He is accused of giving five teachers at the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School candies that had been injected with mercuric chloride, a toxic chemical used in insecticides. One gram of the chemical could kill a 150-pound person, prosecutors said.
Three of the teachers ate the candy and complained of symptoms including vomiting, burning sensations and shortness of breath, authorities said.
Prosecutors have refused to speculate about a motive.
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