Criminal: Episode Summary – "Professor Quaalude"

Hosted by Phoebe Judge

Introduction

In the episode titled "Professor Quaalude," Vox Media's Criminal delves into the complex life of John Buettner Janisch (BJ), an esteemed anthropologist whose illustrious career with lemurs took a dark turn into illicit drug manufacturing and attempted murder. Through interviews and detailed narration, the episode explores BJ's professional achievements, personal struggles, and ultimate descent into criminality.

Early Career and Passion for Lemurs

John Buettner Janisch (BJ) was a pioneering American anthropologist dedicated to the study of lemurs, primates native to Madagascar. In 1959, BJ began his expeditions from New Haven to Madagascar to collect lemurs, significantly contributing to the field of primatology. His efforts led to numerous anecdotes, such as a pregnant lemur escaping and climbing to a fourth-story ledge before being rescued by the fire department ([02:32] Phoebe Judge).

BJ's passion inspired fellow researchers, including Peter Klopfer, a newly tenured professor at Duke University specializing in mother-infant bonding in goats and deer. After attending BJ's engaging talk on lemurs in 1964, Klopfer approached BJ with collaborative research ideas.

“He was the sort of person who captured your attention and was always on center stage, loud, ebullient, conspicuous.” ([08:19] Peter Klopfer)

Founding the Duke Lemur Center

Recognizing the limitations of institutional facilities at Yale—where BJ's lemurs were confined to small cages—Peter Klopfer and BJ devised a plan to create a more suitable environment for their primate subjects. This collaboration culminated in the establishment of the Duke Lemur Center in 1966, a sanctuary dedicated to lemur research and preservation.

The Duke Lemur Center became a groundbreaking facility, housing over 90 lemurs in spacious, lemur-proofed environments both indoors and outdoors ([06:06] Phoebe Judge). Peter Klopfer continued his research on lemur sleep patterns while raising generations of lemurs, fostering a profound bond with these primates.

BJ's Personal Life and Rising Career

BJ was a charismatic and flamboyant figure, known for his vivid attire and larger-than-life personality. His wife, Veena, was equally accomplished as a biochemist, though her contributions often remained behind the scenes in BJ's lab. Their relationship was described as inseparable, with both rarely seen apart ([09:28] Peter Klopfer).

Despite his professional success—authoring acclaimed anthropology textbooks and being voted among the best professors at Duke—BJ struggled with personal discontent living in Durham, often seeking cultural escapes in New York City.

Tragedy Strikes: Veena's Death

In a shocking turn of events, Veena experienced an undiagnosed abdominal ailment that led to an emergency surgery and her untimely death on the operating table ([11:52] Peter Klopfer). This sudden loss profoundly affected BJ, catalyzing the beginning of his personal and professional unraveling.

“That's where I think the problem arose.” ([12:31] Peter Klopfer)

Descent into Criminality

Following Veena's death, BJ's research at NYU dwindled as the National Science Foundation withdrew funding. His behavior became erratic; he frequented Greenwich Village gay bars and displayed unpredictable work habits ([16:00] Transcript excerpt).

BJ's illicit activities began when he used NYU's laboratory to manufacture methaqualone (Quaaludes), a popular sedative in the 1970s, along with traces of LSD and synthesized cocaine. His students, both knowingly and unknowingly, assisted in these operations. When confronted by law enforcement, BJ concocted a bizarre defense, claiming he was producing "neurotoxins" for lemur experiments ([18:32] Peter Koebel).

“The whole Quaaludes and lemurs defense strikes me as patently ludicrous.” ([19:25] Peter Koebel)

The DEA's investigation led to BJ’s conviction for conspiracy to manufacture illegal drugs and obstruction of justice. Federal Judge Charles Bryant sentenced BJ to five years in federal prison at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida ([21:10] Peter Koebel).

Life Behind Bars

During his imprisonment, BJ remained intellectually active, contributing to the prison newsletter and continuing his academic pursuits by reviewing manuscripts and scientific papers. Despite his felony convictions, BJ maintained his innocence and harbored resentment towards those he believed had wronged him.

In captivity, BJ often communicated with Peter Klopfer, reminiscing about their Madagascar expeditions and discussing scientific matters. However, BJ's behavior suggested a deep-seated desire for revenge.

“I have severe pneumonia and I don't expect to recover.” ([30:52] Peter Klopfer)

Second Crime and Supermax Prison

Upon his release on parole in September 1983, BJ attempted to reintegrate into society in Wisconsin. However, four years later, his vendetta culminated in a heinous act of attempted murder. On February 19, 1987, BJ sent poisoned Godiva chocolates to Federal Judge Charles Bryant, leading to the judge's wife falling critically ill. This act was part of BJ's broader pattern of targeting individuals he perceived as adversaries, including sending similar poisoned packages to others ([24:27] Phoebe Judge).

His arrest and subsequent guilty plea for the attempted murder resulted in a 40-year sentence at the supermax prison in Marion, Illinois—the facility designed to replace Alcatraz.

Final Years and Legacy

In prison, BJ continued his scholarly interests, working on a new book about lemurs and maintaining correspondence with Peter Klopfer. Despite his criminal actions, Klopfer felt empathy for BJ, perceiving him as a man who needed protection from himself rather than harboring anger.

BJ was diagnosed as HIV positive with AIDS during his incarceration and eventually succumbed to pneumonia in prison ([30:26] Phoebe Judge). His obituary in the American Journal of Physical Anthropology predominantly highlighted his professional achievements, with only brief mentions of his criminal convictions, underscoring the complex legacy he left behind.

Today, the Duke Lemur Center stands as a testament to BJ and Klopfer's dedication, housing the world's largest and most diverse collection of lemurs outside Madagascar. The center continues to contribute significantly to primate research and conservation efforts.

Conclusion

"Professor Quaalude" paints a multifaceted portrait of BJ—a brilliant anthropologist whose passion for lemurs and scholarly pursuits were ultimately overshadowed by personal tragedy and criminality. The episode underscores the thin line between genius and madness, illustrating how profound loss and unaddressed grief can lead even the most respected individuals down paths of self-destruction.

For those interested in the ethical and psychological dimensions of BJ's story, Criminal offers a compelling exploration of how personal demons can derail professional legacies.