Former Paramedic Faces Murder Charges in Alleged Eye Drop Poisoning of Wife, Followed by Staged Kidnapping
GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A former paramedic pleaded not guilty Monday to first-degree murder and related charges in a case that prosecutors describe as a coldly calculated scheme: the alleged poisoning of his wife using common eye drops, followed by a staged kidnapping attempt years later while out on bond.
Joshua Hunsucker, 41, is accused of murdering his wife, Stacy Robinson Hunsucker, in September 2018 to collect a $250,000 life insurance policy. According to court documents, he methodically added tetrahydrozoline—a chemical found in eye drops that is toxic when ingested—to her drinks over an extended period. He initially reported her cause of death as a heart attack.
The case broke open after Stacy’s mother grew suspicious of Hunsucker’s demeanor following his wife’s rapid cremation and his quick move into a new relationship. A crucial break came from a single blood sample retained by the hospital due to Stacy’s status as an organ donor, which allowed toxicology experts to detect the lethal substance.
Hunsucker was arrested in late 2019 and released on a $1.5 million bond. However, prosecutors say his legal troubles deepened in 2023 when he allegedly staged his own kidnapping, using zip ties and claiming his late wife’s parents had injected him with an unknown substance. Authorities characterized this as an attempt to harass and intimidate the grieving family.
The situation escalated further in August 2024, when new allegations surfaced that Hunsucker had attempted to use the same poisoning method on his then-10-year-old daughter. A judge subsequently revoked his bail, ordering him held pending trial.
Hunsucker’s defense has requested a change of venue due to extensive media coverage. A trial date for the murder case remains pending.
Analysis: This case highlights rare but documented dangers of tetrahydrozoline poisoning and raises questions about oversight in life insurance payouts following sudden, unexplained deaths. The subsequent alleged crimes while on bond are likely to influence future bail considerations in high-profile homicide cases within the state.
Reactions from the Community
Michael Torres, Neighbor: "It's chilling. You think you know people. Stacy was a kind person. The whole thing has shaken our community's sense of safety."
Linda Farrell, Legal Analyst: "The prosecution's case hinges on forensic toxicology from a single sample. It's strong science, but the defense will likely challenge the chain of custody and the timeline of administration."
David Kline, Commentator: "This is monstrous. A paramedic—someone sworn to help—allegedly weaponizing medical knowledge to kill his family for money. The system failed when he was ever let out on bond. Where is the justice for Stacy and that child?"