‘Poison-obsessed’ blogger admits poisoning her husband

An Iowa woman who previously blogged about harmful chemicals and other toxins has pleaded guilty to poisoning her husband.

Daisy Zantjer, 39, of Pleasantville, admitted to “administering a harmful substance called tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride to her husband, Allan Zantjer, on two separate occasions in July 2023,” according to charging documents obtained by Law&Crime.

According to Marion County court records, she was charged in August with two counts of administering a harmful substance and two counts of domestic violence causing bodily harm. On Thursday, Zantjer pleaded guilty to all counts.

Authorities said Zantjer committed “domestic violence” against her husband “by putting tetrahydrozoline in his drink without his knowledge,” the documents said.

Her husband was hospitalized due to the alleged poisonings but survived.

According to Poison Control, taking tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride can cause drowsiness, low blood pressure, and a dangerously slow heart rate.

Charging documents revealed that Zantjer had previously blogged on LinkedIn about the dangers of chemicals and toxins in everyday household products.

The blogger “appears” to be the same woman who was arrested for poisoning her husband, Pleasantville Police Chief Joe Mrstik previously told Law&Crime.

In one of the October 30, 2018 blog posts, Zantjer wrote, “I am a Christian who wants to do good for her family, and that includes keeping them free from harmful chemicals and other toxins that could destroy their bodies.”

In another November 2018 post, she wrote, “It’s like giving someone arsenic.” It won’t kill that person immediately. It’s slowly killing them.”

“I want others who care about themselves to join me in being toxin free and financially free,” another post reads. “If you decide to switch to a non-toxic organic store, feel free to message me and I’ll give you my website.”

Zantjer was arrested on July 20th.

Following her guilty plea on Thursday, her bail was reduced from $12,000 to $6,000. Her sentencing is scheduled for November 7.