Today, with the rapid development of technology, the application of artificial intelligence is changing our lives, but it can also bring unexpected consequences. Recently, a shocking case occurred in North Carolina, USA, where a school nurse used AI tools like ChatGPT to research poisons and poisoned her husband, causing him to become paralyzed.
43-year-old school nurse Cheryl Harris Gates was charged with using AI to search for "lethal and disabling drug combinations," and during her separation from her husband, she secretly mixed poison into his energy drinks. Police investigations found that from July to September this year, Cheryl frequently used ChatGPT to look up information about toxic substances, including the interactions between oleander and ricin. AI not only provided a list of possible poisons, but also helped her design methods of poisoning, such as injecting them or mixing them into drinks.
In the police search, items were found that matched the AI query records, including syringes, capsule filling tools, and medical droppers. The victim drank the poisoned drinks twice on July 12 and August 18, and then experienced symptoms of paralysis, such as being unable to stand and numbness in his limbs. Although test results showed that the drinks contained controlled prescription drug components, the specific names of the drugs remain undisclosed. The victim is currently undergoing rehabilitation treatment, and some nerve damage may be permanent.
Cheryl was arrested on October 7 for stalking and property damage, and was released after bail, but soon she was re-arrested for attempted murder and contaminating food. The court has now rejected her bail application. If she is convicted, she will face a severe punishment of life imprisonment.
This case once again warns us that while technological advancement can bring convenience to humanity, it can also be maliciously exploited, becoming a tool to harm others. With the continuous development of artificial intelligence technology, how to effectively regulate and use these tools will become an important issue that society must face.
