A North Carolina woman has been arrested and is facing multiple murder and attempted murder charges after authorities say she poisoned drinks with a deadly chemical, killing two people and nearly killing others.
Gudrun Casper-Leinenkugel, 52, of Hendersonville, was taken into custody on Friday, Jan. 16, according to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Investigators say she is responsible for the death of 32-year-old Leela Livis in December 2025 and for the attempted murders of two other people, Richard Pegg and Mia Lacey.
Authorities also say evidence links Casper-Leinenkugel to an earlier death dating back nearly two decades. Investigators allege she was involved in the 2007 death of Michael Schmidt in Henderson County, a case that had previously gone unresolved.
Casper-Leinenkugel now faces two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, and three counts of distributing prohibited food or beverages, according to the SBI.
Court documents allege that Casper-Leinenkugel knowingly placed a toxic chemical, acetonitrile, into drinks that were accessible for human consumption. Officials say the substance is capable of causing serious injury or death.
Acetonitrile is a colorless liquid commonly used in industrial and pharmaceutical manufacturing. According to federal health agencies, the chemical can slowly convert into cyanide inside the body, leading to delayed and potentially fatal poisoning.
Investigators allege that Casper-Leinenkugel acted with malice aforethought in the deaths of both Livis and Schmidt. Authorities have not publicly explained how she knew the alleged victims, and that aspect of the case remains under investigation.
Casper-Leinenkugel previously operated a restaurant in Asheville, according to local reports.
She is currently being held at the Henderson County Detention Center after a judge denied her request for release. It is not yet known whether she has retained legal counsel.
Investigators are asking anyone with information related to the case to contact the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crime Unit as the investigation continues.
Is this a biological male transitioning to a so called “woman,” or a biological female transitioning to a so called “man”??
That would explain the mental lunacy and violent hatred for people in general.
Stupidity personified.She deserves punishment