In a case that reads like a chilling crime thriller, a Michigan woman has been sentenced to life behind bars for the calculated murder of her boyfriend using an unexpected household item - eye drops.
The Calculated Killing
Jessica Kree Smith, 24, was convicted of first-degree premeditated murder for systematically poisoning 37-year-old Tristan Seegers by adding tetrahydrozoline eye drops to his drinks over several days in December 2020.
Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Kathryn Viviano delivered the mandatory life sentence without parole, describing the methodical nature of the poisoning as particularly disturbing. "This was not a crime of passion," the judge noted during sentencing. "This was a calculated, planned event."
A Trail of Digital Evidence
Prosecutors built their case around compelling digital evidence that revealed Smith's cold-blooded planning. Text messages showed her researching the lethal effects of eye drop ingestion just days before Seegers fell critically ill.
In one damning exchange, Smith texted a friend asking: "How many eye drops would it take to kill someone?" When her friend expressed alarm, Smith chillingly responded that she was "just curious."
The Final Days
The poisoning unfolded over Christmas 2020 at the couple's shared home in Warren, Michigan. Seegers began experiencing severe symptoms including vomiting and dangerously low blood pressure before being rushed to hospital.
Medical professionals initially struggled to identify the cause of his sudden deterioration. Tragically, Seegers passed away on December 28th, 2020, never regaining consciousness to reveal what had been happening in his own home.
Uncovering the Truth
The investigation took a dramatic turn when detectives discovered Smith's internet search history and text messages. Further evidence emerged showing she had purchased multiple bottles of eye drops in the days leading up to Seegers' illness.
Prosecutor Jean Cloud told the court: "The defendant methodically and deliberately researched how to use eye drops to kill someone, then carried out that plan, showing a complete disregard for human life."
A Warning About Common Products
This tragic case highlights the potentially deadly consequences of tetrahydrozoline ingestion. While safe when used as directed in eyes, the chemical becomes dangerous when ingested, causing:
- Severe drops in blood pressure
- Dramatically slowed heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Potential coma and respiratory failure
Medical experts warn that even small amounts can be dangerous to children and pets, while larger quantities prove fatal to adults.
The case serves as a grim reminder that the most ordinary household items can become weapons in the wrong hands, and that digital footprints often provide the crucial evidence needed to bring killers to justice.
