Decontamination of Ricin Poison Scene Underway in Montco
By David Madden
HATBORO, Pa. (CBS) -- Three months after Montgomery County authorities charged a Hatboro, Pa. teen with trying to kill a Warminster man with a ricin-laced birthday card (see related stories), crews were on hand cleaning up the apartment where the teen lived with his mother.
This went far beyond the standard hazmat remediation. Professionals were brought in to ensure there's not the slightest sign of the deadly ricin toxin left behind.
David Burkhardt (below), a certified industrial hygienist coordinating the job, says residents of the Eleanor Court Apartments have nothing to worry about.
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"Once the situation was identified, the apartment was isolated, so no one was allowed in or out of the apartment. It was literally barricaded," he told KYW Newsradio today.
Once crews complete the day long cleanup, tests will make sure it was done right before the unit can be occupied again.
The suspect, Nicholas Hellman, is charged with attempted murder for allegedly sending the poisoned card to his ex-girlfriend's new love interest. Prosecutors are working on a possible plea deal in the case.