At a Glance
- Gudrun Casper-Leinenkugel faces murder and attempted murder charges after allegedly poisoning four drinks.
- Two victims, Leela Livis and Michael Schmidt, died; Richard Pegg and Mia Lacey survived.
- Authorities allege the poison was acetonitrile, a clear solvent that can convert to cyanide.
Why it matters: The case highlights the dangers of industrial chemicals in everyday settings and raises questions about how a former restaurant owner could access and use such substances.
Gudrun Casper-Leinenkugel, 52, from Hendersonville, North Carolina, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, and three counts of distribution of prohibited food and beverage after authorities allege she poisoned the drinks of four people, killing two. The case has drawn national attention because it involves a former restaurant owner allegedly using a chemical commonly found in industrial settings to commit the crimes.
The Arrest and Charges
On Friday, January 16, 2026, the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office arrested Casper-Leinenkugel. The arrest was made after a series of warrants were issued by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. The charges include two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, and three counts of distribution of certain food and beverage prohibited. The charges carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment.
The Victims and Allegations
The arrest warrants were signed after detectives gathered evidence linking Casper-Leinenkugel to the deaths of two individuals. The first murder charge stems from the death of Leela Livis, 32, who died on December 1, 2025, after consuming a beverage allegedly laced with a toxic chemical. The second murder charge is tied to the 2007 death of Michael Schmidt in Henderson County, an older case now being revisited by investigators.
Leela Livis, a 32-year-old resident of Hendersonville, died after ingesting a drink that authorities say contained acetonitrile. The second victim, Michael Schmidt, died in 2007, and investigators claim Casper-Leinenkugel was responsible for that death as well. The two surviving victims, Richard Pegg and Mia Lacey, were found with injuries consistent with chemical exposure but survived the attacks.
Acetonitrile: The Poison
Acetonitrile is a clear, colorless liquid with a sweet ethereal odor, commonly used as a solvent in pharmaceutical manufacturing, fiber spinning, plastic casting, and lithium-battery production. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it can convert slowly into cyanide, causing delayed toxicity. The National Institutes of Health notes that the conversion process can result in serious physical injury or death if ingested in sufficient quantities.
How the Poison Was Allegedly Used
The arrest warrants allege that Casper-Leinenkugel deliberately placed acetonitrile into the beverages of her victims. The documents describe how she distributed or otherwise caused the substance to be placed in a position of human accessibility or ingestion. Authorities claim she acted with malice aforethought, a factor that could elevate the charges to first-degree murder.
Investigation and Current Status
Casper-Leinenkugel previously operated a restaurant in Asheville, according to WKRC reports. She is currently held in the Henderson County Detention Center after a judge denied her request for release. It remains unclear whether she has retained legal counsel or how she might have obtained the chemical. Investigators are still working to establish a definitive link between her and the alleged poisonings.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 16, 2026 | Arrest of Gudrun Casper-Leinenkugel |
| December 1, 2025 | Death of Leela Livis |
| 2007 | Death of Michael Schmidt (alleged link) |
What to Know
- The case involves industrial chemicals in everyday settings.
- Two victims died; two survived after alleged exposure.
- Authorities allege malice aforethought and intentional placement of poison.
- The accused is a former restaurant owner with no prior criminal record.
Key Takeaways
- Gudrun Casper-Leinenkugel faces severe penalties, including potential life sentences.
- Acetonitrile’s conversion to cyanide makes it a deadly poison if ingested.
- The investigation is still ongoing, with evidence still being collected.
- The case raises concerns about access to hazardous chemicals by civilians.
Legal Implications
The charges carry potential life sentences for first-degree murder and up to 30 years for attempted murder. Distribution of a prohibited chemical can add additional penalties under state law. If convicted, Casper-Leinenkugel could face consecutive sentences, leading to a cumulative term that could span decades.
Victims’ Families
Families of Leela Livis and Michael Schmidt have expressed shock and grief over the alleged poisonings. They have called for thorough investigations and justice. The surviving victims, Richard Pegg and Mia Lacey, are reportedly receiving medical care and support as they recover from the alleged chemical exposure.
Public Safety Concerns
Public safety officials have raised concerns about how a former restaurant owner accessed a chemical that can convert to cyanide. The case highlights the need for stricter regulation of industrial chemicals and better tracking of hazardous substances. Authorities are reviewing how the chemical was obtained and stored.
Next Steps
Investigators are continuing to gather forensic evidence from the victims’ beverages and the alleged crime scenes. They are also interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage from the restaurant and surrounding areas. The next court appearance for Casper-Leinenkugel is scheduled for March 12, 2026, where she will be arraigned on the pending charges.
Contact Information
Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crime Unit at 828-694-2938.
Further Reading
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Closing
The investigation continues as authorities work to confirm the extent of the alleged poisonings and to bring justice for the victims and their families.
