A former North Carolina paramedic accused of murdering his wife with eye drops and subsequently poisoning his daughter has been denied bond. The chilling case unfolds with allegations of insurance fraud, staged kidnappings, and a history of erratic behavior.
Joshua Hunsucker, 40, stands accused of the first-degree murder of his wife, Stacy Robinson Hunsucker, who died on September 23, 2018. Hunsucker initially claimed his wife died of a heart attack and promptly had her cremated, quickly filing a $250,000 life insurance claim.
a man in jail uniform stands in court next to attorneyJoshua Hunsucker in court during a bond hearing. (Court TV)
However, due to Stacy’s organ donor status, a preserved blood sample revealed a sinister truth. Testing revealed the presence of tetrahydrozoline, a chemical found in eye drops, leading investigators to suspect foul play. This suspicion was further fueled by Hunsucker’s unusual behavior following his wife’s death. Prosecutors revealed that prior to Stacy’s death, Hunsucker had allegedly confided in former colleagues about using eye drops as a murder weapon.
A Series of Suspicious Incidents
As the investigation into Stacy’s death progressed, authorities allege Hunsucker engaged in a series of increasingly erratic actions. In November 2019, just days before his arrest for Stacy’s murder, he allegedly set fire to a medical helicopter while on duty, resulting in an emergency landing and charges of burning personal property. After being released on bond for his wife’s murder, Hunsucker claimed to have been kidnapped, assaulted, and injected with an unknown substance by his deceased wife’s father. This alleged kidnapping, however, was later debunked by police who found evidence of Hunsucker stalking and harassing his former in-laws.
Allegations of Child Abuse and Poisoning
The disturbing narrative took another dark turn with allegations of child abuse and poisoning. A judge determined that Hunsucker had neglected both his 9 and 11-year-old children and had allegedly abused the older child. Prosecutors contend that Hunsucker poisoned his 11-year-old daughter, identified as P.H., by administering tetrahydrozoline in her drink. The child exhibited symptoms of low blood pressure, low heart rate, extreme fatigue, and constricted blood vessels. Further testing revealed the presence of O-desmethylvenlafaxine, an antidepressant not approved for children, in P.H.’s system and in Hunsucker’s truck.
Medical helicopter that Joshua Hunsucker allegedly set fire to while on duty. (Court TV)
Parallels to a Previous Case
This case echoes another high-profile murder involving eye drops. Jessy Kurczewski was convicted of killing her friend, Lynn Hernan, with tetrahydrozoline poisoning. Kurczewski had falsely claimed the victim enjoyed consuming the substance. The similarities between the cases raise further questions about the potential motivations and methods employed by Hunsucker.
Denied Bond and Awaiting Trial
With a mounting list of charges and a history of disturbing behavior, Joshua Hunsucker remains in custody after being denied bond. The complexities of the case, involving alleged murder, poisoning, arson, and staged scenarios, paint a grim picture as he awaits trial. The legal proceedings will undoubtedly delve deeper into the evidence and seek to uncover the full extent of Hunsucker’s alleged crimes.
Conclusion: A Complex Case Unfolds
The case against Joshua Hunsucker continues to unfold, revealing a complex web of alleged criminal activity. The denial of bond underscores the severity of the charges and the potential danger he poses. As the trial approaches, the focus will remain on uncovering the truth behind the tragic death of Stacy Hunsucker and the subsequent events that have led to this point. The justice system will work to determine the extent of Hunsucker’s culpability and ensure accountability for the alleged crimes committed.
