A North Carolina woman has been charged with murder and attempted murder after authorities say she poisoned the drinks of multiple people using a deadly chemical, killing two and seriously endangering others.
Gudrun Casper-Leinenkugel, 52, of Hendersonville, was arrested Friday, Jan. 16, and charged in connection with the Dec. 1, 2025, death of Leela Livis, 32. Investigators also accuse her of attempting to kill two additional individuals, Richard Pegg and Mia Lacey, according to state authorities.
Investigators say evidence has also linked Casper-Leinenkugel to the 2007 death of Michael Schmidt in Henderson County. As a result, she now faces two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, and three counts related to the distribution of prohibited food or beverages.
According to arrest warrants, authorities allege that Casper-Leinenkugel knowingly placed a poisonous chemical, acetonitrile, into beverages that were accessible for human consumption. Investigators say the substance ultimately caused death or serious physical injury to the alleged victims.
Acetonitrile is a clear, colorless liquid with a sweet-smelling odor commonly used as an industrial solvent, including in pharmaceutical manufacturing and plastics production. Medical authorities note that the chemical slowly breaks down into cyanide inside the body, resulting in delayed toxic effects.
Investigators allege that Casper-Leinenkugel acted with malice aforethought in the deaths of Livis and Schmidt and intentionally introduced the chemical into the victims’ drinks.
Casper-Leinenkugel previously operated a restaurant in the Asheville area, though authorities have not disclosed whether the alleged poisonings were connected to her business or how she may have known the victims.
She is currently being held at the Henderson County Detention Center after a judge denied her request for pretrial release.
Authorities have not said whether Casper-Leinenkugel has retained legal representation. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials are asking anyone with information related to the case to contact the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crime Unit.