Wyoming Graduate Student Accused of Poisoning Colleague’s Tea Arrested at LAX While Allegedly Trying to Flee to China

A university laboratory investigation has turned into a disturbing criminal case after a graduate student in Wyoming was accused of poisoning a colleague’s tea and attempting to leave the United States.

Aili Wang, 32, a microbiology graduate student at the University of Wyoming, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on October 6, 2026. Prosecutors allege she was attempting to return to China after investigators began examining claims that a fellow student had been deliberately exposed to a toxic chemical.

According to reporting by the Associated Press and PEOPLE, the alleged victim, identified in court documents as “K.T.,” began experiencing unexplained health problems after attending a conference in August. He reportedly suffered extreme fatigue, difficulty sleeping, tingling and numbness, and trouble concentrating.

The situation became more suspicious when he noticed an unusual taste in tea prepared using a small coffee maker at his desk. Investigators later focused on water from the appliance after testing reportedly detected acrylamide, a chemical used in certain research applications that can be toxic.

Authorities allege Wang purchased the chemical online. Investigators also reportedly reviewed surveillance footage recorded in the office the two students shared.

According to a police affidavit, footage from September 27 allegedly showed Wang searching through her colleague’s desk. Video recorded on October 1 allegedly showed her handling and photographing notebooks on his desk before rinsing his mug with liquid from her own mug.

Investigators are also examining whether the case involved more than the alleged poisoning. The colleague reportedly had research related to technology for treating diseases, with patents pending. Authorities allege Wang photographed his research notebooks and possessed electronic storage devices and documents when she was arrested.

The pair reportedly had a strained relationship, although the precise motive remains an allegation rather than an established fact.

The victim’s condition has raised further concern. His supervising professor, Mark Gomelsky, told the Associated Press that the student continued to experience fatigue, difficulty concentrating and reduced sensation in his left hand. The professor said he could not be certain whether the student would fully recover.

Wang faces a felony charge of aggravated assault and battery in Wyoming. A judge subsequently approved a request to increase her bond to $1.5 million in cash. As of October 13, she remained jailed in Los Angeles, and the timing of her possible return to Wyoming was unclear.

The University of Wyoming confirmed that a graduate student had been charged following a campus police investigation and said it was handling a separate student conduct process.

The allegations have shocked members of the university community, particularly because the investigation began with symptoms that initially appeared unexplained. What happens next will depend on the legal proceedings and the evidence presented in court.

Wang has not been convicted of the allegations, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Sources:

• PEOPLE
• Associated Press
• CBS News