Gudrun Casper-Leinenkugel, 52, from Hendersonville, North Carolina, faces two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted first-degree murder for allegedly poisoning drinks with acetonitrile, a toxic chemical that forms cyanide in the body. Authorities linked her to the 2025 death of 32-year-old Leela Livis on November 30, as well as attempted murders of Richard Pegg and Mia Lacey, plus a 2007 cold case murder of Michael Schmidt.​
Charges and Method
She also faces three counts of distributing prohibited food or beverages containing acetonitrile, a solvent used in pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and batteries that causes delayed toxicity and potential death. Warrants allege she knowingly placed the poison in beverages accessible for ingestion, leading to one fatality and harm to others.​
Background and Status
Previously featured in a 2016 Mountain Xpress story for opening Patton Public House in Asheville after running six restaurants nationwide, Casper-Leinenkugel had her release denied by a judge. She remains held without bond at Henderson County Detention Facility, with the investigation involving multiple agencies confirming no ongoing public threat.​
