Dateline: The Prussian Blue Mystery - Who Was Brigida Uto and What Happened to Her?

Dateline brought national attention to one of the most tragic cases San Diego had ever witnessed. In March 2018, a young mother arrived at a hospital struggling for her life.

The medical team at Kaiser Permanente encountered a complex case. Brigida Uto, who was just 28 years old, was slipping away rapidly.

Her symptoms were shocking and unusual. Her vision was failing as well, and she was unable to feel her limbs, and she could not see the water being offered to her. Laura Comstock, a triage nurse, became a witness to the severity of her state.

What started as an everyday medical emergency soon transformed into something much darker. The investigation would reveal a calculated crime. NBC's Dateline explored this chilling case.

The show aired on Thursday nights at 10 p.m. on NBC, and the story shocked viewers across the country.

The victim and her story

Brigida Uto was a young mother residing in San Diego. She was married to a Navy sailor, and in early 2018, she started experiencing strange symptoms.

Her health declined steadily over several months, and by March, her condition had become more critical. At last, when she arrived at the hospital, the medical staff realized that time was running short.

The symptoms pointed to something lethal and toxic, and the doctors suspected poisoning almost immediately. Every passing minute mattered in the fight to revive her life. The medical unit worked urgently to find the cause of her condition.

The medical investigation

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The medical team launched a sudden investigation as they needed to find what was destroying her body. One of the doctors stated clearly that they were treating this as an intentional case of poisoning.

The symptoms matched exposure to a risky and lethal substance. Her neurological decline was especially concerning. The loss of sensation in her body indicated nerve damage.

After extensive testing and research, the doctors found the culprit. Thallium was coursing through her body. This chemical had once been often used in rat poisoning. It had also been used for assassinations. The U.S. government classifies it as a weapon of huge destruction.

The Discovery of Thallium

Thallium is tasteless and odorless and can be easily mixed into drinks and foods. The victim often has no idea they are consuming it. And for Brigida, this poisoning had been administered over months. Her husband had been adding it to her beverages and meals. He was systematically destroying her from within.

The Prussian Blue Mystery takes its name from the treatment used to save her. Prussian blue is a medical drug that binds to thallium. It helps the body eliminate the poison. Doctors worked very hard to flush the chemical from her system. The treatment had to be administered carefully. Time was crucial in preventing permanent damage.

The criminal investigation

The Federal Bureau of Investigation became involved at a fast pace. They suspected foul play from the beginning. Evidence also pointed directly to her spouse. He had access to her drinks and food every day. He had also researched poisons online. His search history revealed his sinister intentions.

Investigators found evidence of thallium purchases. The timeline matched the beginning of Brigida's symptoms. The police arrested him for attempted murder. The case sent shockwaves through the San Diego community.

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Dateline's Coverage

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NBC's Dateline featured The Prussian Blue Mystery in a special episode. Investigator Natalie Morales interviewed the medical team. They described the tireless efforts it took to save Brigida's life. Her family appeared on Dateline to share their side of the narrative. They expressed disbelief and horror at the betrayal. The series detailed how The Prussian Blue Mystery unfolded step by step.

Medical professionals explained the poisoning planning. The FBI agents discussed their investigation, and Dateline provided a comprehensive look at this tragic case. The audience learned about the risks of thallium exposure. The episode highlighted the collaboration between law enforcement and medical professionals.