Murder With My Husband: Episode 263 - The Eyedrop Killer - The Death of Lynn Hernan

Hosted by OH NO MEDIA

Introduction

In Episode 263 of “Murder With My Husband”, titled “The Eyedrop Killer - The Death of Lynn Hernan”, hosts Peyton and Garrett Moreland delve into a chilling true crime case that intertwines trust, betrayal, and meticulous deception. Released on April 7, 2025, this episode unpacks the mysterious death of Lynn Hernan, a beloved member of her Wisconsin community, and the subsequent unraveling of her trusted caretaker, Jesse Kruzchevsky.

Background on Lynn Hernan

[03:09] Peyton Moreland:
“The year is 2018, and we are in Pojoaque, Wisconsin. This is where 61-year-old Lynn Hernan has spent a significant portion of her adult life.”

Lynn Hernan was a 61-year-old hairstylist who had established her own salon in Pojoaque, Wisconsin. Known for her kindness and warm-hearted nature, Lynn led a modest and peaceful life. Her passions included caring for animals, supporting local shelters, enjoying the beach, cooking, and watching old black-and-white movies. Despite never marrying or having children, Lynn maintained strong friendships, notably with her ex-boyfriend Jim Kelleher, whom she remained close to even after their romantic relationship ended nearly a decade prior.

The Events Leading to Her Death

[03:37] Peyton Moreland:
“In October 2018, Lynn's health began to decline due to several chronic conditions, including high blood pressure, lung disease, and severe gastrointestinal issues.”

As Lynn's health deteriorated over the years, she became more reclusive and self-conscious about her declining condition. Her friend Jim noticed a shift in her behavior, observing that she was becoming more withdrawn despite having experienced periods of improvement.

[10:07] Peyton Moreland:
“I’ve been with her for the last two years. She was in so much pain by the end, with no cure or treatment in sight.”

On the night of October 3, 2018, a distressing 911 call was made from Lynn's home. The caller reported finding Lynn unresponsive in her recliner, surrounded by pill bottles and a mysterious white substance. Upon arrival, responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Initial suspicions pointed towards an accidental overdose or suicide, especially given Lynn’s ongoing health battles.

Investigation and Suspicion on Jesse Kruzchevsky

Jesse Kruzchevsky, Lynn's 32-year-old caretaker and adopted daughter, became the focal point of the investigation. Jesse had been living with Lynn for the past two years, managing her daily needs and finances.

[10:45] Peyton Moreland:
“Jesse mentioned that Lynn had been considering suicide as a means to end her suffering.”

However, discrepancies began to surface when Lynn's other friends, including Jim and Anthony Posa, expressed shock and confusion over her sudden death. Jim recounted receiving a call from Jesse shortly after Lynn's death, informing him of a memorial dinner, which seemed uncharacteristically detached and suspicious.

[12:14] Garrett Moreland:
“Three, Jim says in the times he spoke to Lynn before her death, she might not have been feeling well, but she never gave any indication to him of taking her own life.”

[15:50] Peyton Moreland:
“In 2014, four years before she passed, she actually inherited a quarter of a million dollars after her mother died. And yet that money seemed to be gone. Now in just four years, Anthony learned, according to Jesse, there was only $87 left.”

Evidence of Theft and Financial Fraud

As investigators delved deeper, glaring inconsistencies in Jesse’s handling of Lynn’s finances emerged. Jesse had access to Lynn’s bank accounts and credit cards, leading to suspicious activities such as:

• Unauthorized Withdrawals:
  [23:22] Garrett Moreland:
  “She was transferring money from Lynn's account and dropping it directly into hers, only to withdraw that money from an ATM at a nearby casino.”

• Fraudulent Credit Card Usage:
  [23:39] Garrett Moreland:
  “People are stupid.”
  [23:41] Peyton Moreland:
  “She has a proven track record of doing this.”

A significant transaction of $130,000 was discovered, where a fraudulent check made out to Jesse from Lynn's checkbook was cashed. This financial misconduct, coupled with Jesse's prior convictions for forgery and identity theft, painted a damning picture of her involvement in Lynn’s demise.

Toxicology and the Eyedrop Poisoning

The pivotal moment in the investigation came with the medical examiner’s toxicology report.

[19:07] Peyton Moreland:
“They discovered about eight different prescriptions in Lynn's blood at the time, none of which matched those found at the scene.”

Crucially, the report revealed the presence of tetrahydrozoline, the active ingredient in certain eye drops, at lethal levels. This substance was not part of the medications prescribed to Lynn, indicating it was likely introduced to induce her death.

[20:33] Garrett Moreland:
“I mean, I feel like it's pretty obvious at this point when there's crushed up drugs that are not even ingested in her, that something fishy is obviously going on.”

This revelation suggested that the scene was staged to resemble a suicide or accidental overdose, diverting suspicion away from foul play.

The Trial

After mounting evidence, Jesse was arrested in July 2019 and faced numerous charges, including first-degree homicide. The trial, commencing in October 2023, featured testimonies aimed at exonerating Jesse, with defense witnesses presenting Lynn as someone battling severe mental health issues.

[31:03] Garrett Moreland:
“They concluded that Jesse was guilty of all charges, including first-degree homicide.”

Despite attempts by the defense to shift blame onto Lynn’s psychiatric conditions and potential self-harm, the prosecution's case—bolstered by financial records, toxicology reports, and witness testimonies—proved overwhelming.

Verdict and Sentencing

After deliberating for an extended period, the jury convicted Jesse of first-degree homicide. In April 2024, Jesse was sentenced to life in prison with an additional 10 years for theft charges. Additionally, she was ordered to repay $386,000 in restitution, ensuring that any potential profits from her story would be redirected back to Lynn’s estate.

[36:42] Garrett Moreland:
“They concluded that Jesse was guilty of all charges, including first-degree homicide.”

Conclusion

The tragic death of Lynn Hernan underscores the dangers of misplaced trust and the devastating impact of financial manipulation intertwined with lethal intent. Jesse Kruzchevsky's betrayal not only robbed Lynn of her life but also shattered the bonds of a deeply trusted relationship. This case serves as a haunting reminder that even those closest to us can harbor sinister motives.

[35:43] Peyton Moreland:
“Jesse took Lynn's money, her time, and her life.”

Through meticulous investigation and steadfast prosecution, justice was ultimately served, bringing closure to a community mourning the loss of a beloved individual.

Notable Quotes

• [03:09] Peyton Moreland:
  “The year is 2018, and we are in Pojoaque, Wisconsin. This is where 61-year-old Lynn Hernan has spent a significant portion of her adult life.”

• [10:07] Peyton Moreland:
  “I’ve been with her for the last two years. She was in so much pain by the end, with no cure or treatment in sight.”

• [19:07] Peyton Moreland:
  “They discovered about eight different prescriptions in Lynn's blood at the time, none of which matched those found at the scene.”

• [36:42] Garrett Moreland:
  “They concluded that Jesse was guilty of all charges, including first-degree homicide.”

Final Thoughts

“The Eyedrop Killer - The Death of Lynn Hernan” is a gripping exploration of trust gone wrong, financial deceit, and the quest for justice in the face of personal betrayal. For listeners seeking a detailed and emotionally charged true crime narrative, this episode offers a compelling portrayal of the complexities involved in unraveling such a multifaceted case.