A Connecticut mother’s shocking attempt to poison her estranged husband with antifreeze during a bitter custody battle exposes the deadly lengths some will go to in domestic disputes, threatening the safety of an innocent child caught in the crossfire.
Story Highlights
- Kristen Hogan admitted to poisoning husband’s wine with antifreeze as “payback” during custody fight
- Digital evidence shows premeditation with searches for lethal chemicals and dosages
- Couple’s child hospitalized with similar symptoms, raising fears of further poisoning
- Case highlights dangerous escalation of domestic violence during family court proceedings
Mother Admits to Calculated Poisoning Attack
Kristen Hogan, a 33-year-old mother from Ridgefield, Connecticut, confessed to police that she deliberately spiked her estranged husband’s wine and iced tea with ethylene glycol antifreeze. Connecticut State Police arrested Hogan on October 3, charging her with two counts of attempted murder and interfering with an officer. Digital forensic evidence revealed Hogan had searched for information about lethal chemicals and dosages on her phone, demonstrating clear premeditation in this disturbing case.
The poisoning occurred on August 10, just three days after a custody hearing where Hogan was absent but her phone connected to their home’s Wi-Fi, proving her presence at the residence. The husband became violently ill overnight after consuming the contaminated wine and required immediate hospitalization for ethylene glycol poisoning treatment. Laboratory testing confirmed the presence of the deadly chemical in the wine, providing crucial evidence for prosecutors.
Child Becomes Collateral Damage in Custody War
The case took a more sinister turn when the couple’s child was hospitalized on September 29 with symptoms similar to ethylene glycol poisoning. While Hogan denies involvement in poisoning the child, investigators are examining this development as potentially connected to the original attack. This escalation demonstrates how innocent children become victims when adults weaponize custody disputes, undermining the fundamental principle that family courts exist to protect children’s best interests.
Hogan claimed her motive was retaliation against her husband for alleged mental abuse, telling police she wanted to make him sick as “payback” rather than kill him. However, experts note that ethylene glycol is highly toxic and can cause kidney failure and death, making her stated intent irrelevant to the serious charges she faces.
Justice System Responds with Maximum Accountability
Connecticut authorities are holding Hogan on $1 million bail, reflecting the severity of the charges and potential danger to the community. Richard Colangelo, a former prosecutor and law professor, described the case as highly unusual and emphasized how the digital evidence and planning demonstrate significant premeditation. The combination of Hogan’s confession, digital searches, and laboratory confirmation of poison creates a compelling case for prosecutors.
Connecticut mother charged with attempted murder after allegedly poisoning husband with antifreeze https://t.co/DDhtWJ5uvT
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Hogan is scheduled to appear in court on October 9, 2025, where she faces potential decades in prison if convicted. The case serves as a stark reminder that custody battles can escalate into life-threatening situations, particularly when one party views violence as an acceptable solution to legal disputes. This incident underscores the need for family courts to recognize warning signs of domestic violence and implement appropriate protective measures for all family members involved in contentious proceedings.
Sources:
Mom allegedly admits spiking husband wine antifreeze – Fox 32 Chicago
Poisoned husband child custody battle – KATU
Connecticut woman accused trying poison mans leftover wine antifreeze – ABC7NY