University of Wyoming grad student accused of poisoning peer now faces attempted second-degree murder charge

A University of Wyoming graduate student accused of poisoning her colleague now faces an additional charge for attempted second-degree murder, according to a new court document filed Thursday. 

Aili Wang, 32, originally faced one felony charge for aggravated assault and battery after she allegedly put acrylamide, a neurotoxin, in the tea of a fellow graduate student. The additional attempted second-degree murder charge carries the possibility of 20 years to life in prison. 

Police began investigating after the victim, identified in court records as “K.T.,” started having symptoms. A chemistry professor tested water from the alleged victim’s coffee maker, which he used to make tea, and found acrylamide, a police affidavit states. 

According to the police account, Wang, who was a microbiology student, used her university email over the summer to buy acrylamide two times on eBay and later requested the site to delete her order history and account. 

Wang was recorded Sept. 27 on a surveillance camera going through the victim’s desk, the affidavit states. She was also recorded “taking photos and manipulating notebooks” on his desk, as well as rinsing out his mug with a liquid from her own mug.

On Oct. 6, authorities arrested Wang at the Los Angeles International Airport, where prosecutors allege she was attempting to flee the country and return to China, court records show. 

While the court originally set a $200,000 bond for Wang, Albany County Circuit Court Judge Robert Sanford subsequently granted prosecutors’ request to increase the amount to $1.5 million cash-only. 

Wang is scheduled to appear in court Monday for her preliminary hearing. 

Correction: This article has been updated to correct the charge Aili Wang faces. —Ed.