Pewaukee, Wisconsin – A tragic incident unfolded on October 3, 2018, when Jessy Kurczewski dialed 911 to report the discovery of her friend Lynn Hernan unresponsive in her Pewaukee, Wisconsin home. Jessy Kurczewski, the daughter of a close friend of Hernan, had been caring for her due to declining health. “48 Hours” contributor Jericka Duncan delves into the investigation surrounding Hernan’s mysterious death in the episode “Death By Eye Drops,” now available on Paramount+.
Initially thought to be an accidental overdose or suicide, first responders found scattered prescription pills and crushed medications near Hernan’s body. As suspicion grew around Kurczewski, investigators unearthed her criminal past, including prison time for forgery and identity theft. Kurczewski’s involvement took a darker turn when it was revealed that Hernan had ingested tetrahydrozoline, a compound found in over-the-counter eye drops, leading to her death.
Subsequent interviews with Kurczewski revealed conflicting stories, with accusations of Hernan’s desire for suicide and Kurczewski’s involvement in providing her with a lethal concoction of Visine and vodka. The investigation extended to financial records, showing substantial assets of Hernan flowing to Kurczewski before and after her demise.
In June 2021, Kurczewski faced charges of first-degree intentional homicide and theft, alleging that she deliberately poisoned Hernan with eye drops after profiting from her for years. Despite professing her innocence and claiming a loving relationship with Hernan, Kurczewski proceeded to trial in October 2023 to confront the allegations against her.