At a Glance
- Gudrun Casper-Leinenkugel arrested for murdering her 32-year-old daughter after a Thanksgiving dinner.
- Evidence shows the mother laced wine with acetonitrile, a solvent that turns into cyanide.
- She faces additional charges for a 2007 murder and is held without bond.
The tragic death of Leela Livis on Dec. 1 shocked a small North Carolina community. The 32-year-old had just celebrated Thanksgiving with her mother, Gudrun Casper-Leinenkugel (52), before falling ill and dying a few days later.
The Thanksgiving Tragedy
The family gathering, attended by 12 people, included Livis’s half-sister Mia Lacey and guest Richard Pegg. All three drank from the same bottle of wine. Shortly after, Livis collapsed, was taken to a hospital, and later died.
Charges and Evidence
Law enforcement charged the mother with first-degree murder of Livis and attempted murders of Lacey and Pegg. She also faces three counts of distributing prohibited food and beverage.
- Acetonitrile was found in the mother’s home.
- Investigators linked the chemical to the wine consumed at the dinner.
- Acetonitrile slowly converts to cyanide, causing delayed toxicity.
The arrest warrant cited online searches by the mother for “What happens if I accidentally ingest acetonitrile?” and “Does wine turn into cyanide?”
Background of the Suspect
Gudrun Casper-Leinenkugel has a varied business history. She opened a laundromat at age 13, later opening six restaurants and bars nationwide. In 2016, she discussed opening a German-style pub with Mountain Xpress.
She is also charged with the 2007 death of Michael Schmidt in Henderson County. Detectives found evidence linking her to that case.
Legal Proceedings
The mother was arrested on Jan. 16, 2026. A bond hearing confirmed that Livis, Lacey, and Pegg all drank from the same wine bottle.
- She is currently held in the Henderson County Detention Center.
- A judge denied her release request.
- A probable-cause hearing is scheduled for Feb. 10.
It is unclear whether she has retained counsel.
Key Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Gudrun Casper-Leinenkugel, 52 |
| Victim | Leela Livis, 32 |
| Date of Death | Dec. 1 |
| Charge | First-degree murder, attempted murder, distribution of prohibited substances |
| Additional Charge | 2007 murder of Michael Schmidt |
| Evidence | Acetonitrile in home, online searches |
| Arrest Date | Jan. 16, 2026 |
| Next Hearing | Probable-cause hearing on Feb. 10 |
Takeaways
- The case illustrates how a seemingly ordinary family gathering can turn deadly when a toxic solvent is introduced.
- Authorities used both forensic evidence and digital footprints to build the case.
- The mother’s prior criminal history may influence future legal outcomes.
The investigation continues as prosecutors prepare for the upcoming probable-cause hearing. The community remains in shock over the sudden loss of a young woman and the alleged involvement of her own mother.
