A North Carolina woman, Gudrun Casper-Leinenkugel, 52, has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly poisoning at least three people, resulting in the death of 32-year-old Leela Livis. Authorities say the case also reveals Casper-Leinenkugel’s involvement in a decades-old murder.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) confirmed that Casper-Leinenkugel is facing charges related to Livis’s death in 2025. The investigation into Livis’s death also uncovered new evidence linking the defendant to a 2007 homicide.
Connection to 2007 Murder
Detectives investigating Livis’s death discovered evidence connecting Casper-Leinenkugel to the murder of Michael Schmidt, who was killed in Henderson County in 2007. As a result, Casper-Leinenkugel is now facing a second murder charge, according to the NCSBI statement.
Chemical Poisoning and Charges
Casper-Leinenkugel is accused of using acetonitrile, a poisonous chemical, to poison the victims. Acetonitrile is a solvent commonly used in pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and batteries. According to the CDC, acetonitrile can form cyanide in the body, leading to delayed toxicity, which can cause severe harm or death.
The arrest warrant revealed that Casper-Leinenkugel “willfully and feloniously” distributed or placed the toxic chemical in beverages, making it accessible for human consumption. She is also charged with two counts of attempted murder and three counts of distributing prohibited food or beverage.
Restaurant Background
Casper-Leinenkugel had previously owned several restaurants, including Patton Public House in Asheville, North Carolina. A 2016 news story from the local website Mountain Xpress highlighted her opening of the Asheville restaurant, noting that she had run six restaurants and bars across the country.
Current Legal Status Casper-Leinenkugel remains in custody at the Henderson County Detention Facility after a judge denied her request for release. No future court date has been scheduled as of now.
