Eye Drops Murder Plot: Man Pleads Not Guilty

Joshua Hunsucker, a 41-year-old former paramedic from North Carolina, has entered a not guilty plea to charges of first-degree murder, insurance fraud, and obtaining property by false pretense. Prosecutors allege that in September 2018, Hunsucker systematically poisoned his wife, Stacy Robinson Hunsucker, using eye drops containing tetrahydrozoline. He is also accused of lying about her cause of death to obtain a $250,000 life insurance policy.

Stacy Hunsucker died in their Mount Holly home, with her body cremated within two days. Suspicion arose when her mother noted Hunsucker's unusual demeanor and his quick move in with a girlfriend. Prosecutors built their case using a blood sample from Stacy, who was an organ donor. Hunsucker was arrested in December 2019 and released on a $1.5 million bond.

While out on bond in 2023, authorities claim Hunsucker staged his own kidnapping, using zip ties and accusing his in-laws of injecting him with a substance. He also allegedly intimidated and harassed his late wife's parents. In August 2024, he was brought back to court to face new allegations of attempting to poison his then-10-year-old daughter using the same method.

Prosecutors successfully argued for the revocation of his bail. Hunsucker has requested a change of venue for his trial, citing intense media coverage in Gaston County. A trial date for the murder case is still pending.