Gudrun Casper-Leinenkugel, a 52-year-old woman from Hendersonville, North Carolina, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, and three counts of distributing prohibited food or beverage. Authorities allege that she fatally poisoned her daughter, Leela Livis, in 2025 and is linked to a 2007 cold case murder.
Casper-Leinenkugel allegedly poisoned the wine at a Thanksgiving dinner in November 2025, affecting her daughter Leela Livis, another daughter, and her daughter’s boyfriend, Richard Pegg. The wine was laced with acetonitrile, a clear, colorless solvent that can be toxic. All three victims fell ill, and Livis died on December 1, 2025.
The investigation also connected Casper-Leinenkugel to the 2007 death of Michael Schmidt, who died in a house fire in Hendersonville. Authorities have not disclosed how she was linked to Schmidt’s death but indicated that additional deaths might be under investigation.
Casper-Leinenkugel’s search history revealed inquiries about the effects of ingesting acetonitrile. She was denied bond and is currently held in Henderson County Jail. Her next court appearance is scheduled for February 10, where she faces the possibility of the death penalty.
The case has drawn significant attention, with authorities urging anyone with information to contact the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crime Unit.
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