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Arkansas Man's Idea to Make Ricin Came From 'Breaking Bad'
Alexander Joseph Jordan called 911 last week after he ingested ricin that he allegedly made after being inspired by Walter White on the TV show.
Taking lessons from Walter White isn't always the best idea.
Last week, a 21-year-old man from Saline County, Arkansas called police after he ingested ricin, which he apparently allegedly created after being inspired by the hit drama “Breaking Bad.”
Alexander Joseph Jordan called 911 to report chest pain and suicidal thoughts, KATV reported. He was also complaining of diarrhea and blurred vision, Special Agent Katie Rowbotham later testified in court, according to Arkansas Online.
The young man allegedly told responding paramedics that in his home they could find "stuff in there of mass destruction." Soon, local police, a hazardous-material team and the FBI obtained a search warrant to investigate the brick ranch Jordan lives in, along with his mother and stepdad. Authorities said they confiscated two mason jars worth of ricin in the home, according to Arkansas Online. They also seized a blender that Jordan allegedly mixed castor beans ordered from Amazon.com, in addition to other ingredients, according to the publication. Rowbotham reportedly testified in court that Jordan told police he used a recipe he found online. In court, she repeated what she claimed Jordan said: "Just wanted to see if I could do it. Prove that I wasn't useless,” KATV reported. Jordan reportedly wiped away tears as the agent spoke.
Another source of inspiration behind Jordan’s alleged creation was “Breaking Bad.” In that show, chemistry-teacher turned meth maker and dealer Walter White creates ricin twice to kill others. Jordan allegedly said he wanted to make ricin so that he could kill himself.
On Thursday, Jordan was ordered to undergo a psychiatric and psychological exam, according to Arkansas Online. He has been released into the custody of his stepdad on the condition that he seeks immediate inpatient help.
"I don't think jail is the right place for a seriously mentally ill person, but I don't think home is either," the judge stated in this case, according to Arkansas Online.
[Photo: Pulaski County Sheriff's Office]
