A Pulaski County woman has been charged with trying to poison her ex-husband.

According to court records, Cathy Whited Turpin, 57, of Dublin faces eight counts, including burglary, malicious wounding, attempted poisoning and credit card larceny. A Radford Circuit Court grand jury handed down the charges March 8.

Lt. Andy Wilburn said the case started in August 2008, when officers were called about a home break-in.

"The charges against Cathy Turpin stem from an extensive history between her and her ex-husband, Alvin," Wilburn said.

The investigation initially didn't go anywhere, though, Wilburn said. Authorities at the time were unclear about the marital status of the couple, which might have complicated a burglary charge.

Records show that Cathy Turpin was accused of breaking into Alvin Turpin's house and taking at least one of his credit cards.

The police did not hear about the attempted poisoning accusation until this year, Wilburn said. The new piece of information led to the re-opening of the case.

"She is accused of intentionally altering some of his food, which made him extremely ill," Wilburn said. "He had to seek medical treatment."

Records show an investigation into Cathy Turpin led to the discovery of more than $3,500 that someone attempted to remove from Alvin Turpin's bank account by forging checks.

Radford Police Chief Don Goodman said detectives moved quickly when the case re-emerged. He added that the poisoning charge was unusual.

"They're certainly not the norm," he said. "Most relationship violence doesn't go this far."

What sparked strife between the couple remains unclear. An attempt to reach Alvin Turpin was unsuccessful, and he has not returned a message left for him.

Cathy Turpin is listed as an inmate at the New River Valley Regional Jail. She is scheduled to appear in Radford Circuit Court on April 12.

Staff writer Melissa Powell contributed to this report.

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