In a development that has shaken investigators, forensic experts have confirmed the presence of a rare chemical compound in the bloodstream of Kayla Stone, the 23-year-old woman whose mysterious disappearance and death have gripped the nation for weeks.
According to an internal police memorandum reviewed by this outlet, the compound — identified only as “Compound X-17” — is not commonly found in toxicology screenings and is known to cause rapid paralysis followed by cardiac shutdown in high doses.
“We’ve never seen this substance show up in a case like this before,” said one investigator familiar with the analysis. “It suggests this was no accident.”
The compound, originally developed for experimental medical use, was banned for civilian distribution nearly a decade ago. Its reappearance in this case has prompted questions about how it was obtained and whether someone with specialized knowledge was involved.
“This points to a deliberate act,” noted Dr. Sarah Klein, a forensic toxicologist. “The chemistry doesn’t lie — this substance isn’t something you stumble across.”
Authorities are now working with federal agencies to trace any recent shipments or laboratory thefts connected to the chemical. Investigators believe the results could narrow the suspect list dramatically in the coming days.
The Stone family has not commented publicly since the revelation but issued a statement through their attorney urging privacy and thanking the community for continued support.
“We just want the truth,” the statement read. “Kayla deserves justice.”
Officials say more forensic results will be released once confirmatory testing is complete — but sources inside the lab say the findings so far are “deeply unsettling.”