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NC Woman Accused of Poisoning Drinks, Killing Two
20 Jan
Summary
- Woman faces murder charges for poisoning drinks, killing two victims.
- Suspected poisoner used acetonitrile, a chemical that converts to cyanide.
- The alleged crimes span from 2007 to a recent death in December 2025.
Gudrun Casper-Leinenkugel, 52, was arrested on January 16, 2026, and charged with murder in connection with Leela Livis's death on December 1, 2025. She also faces attempted murder charges for Richard Pegg and Mia Lacey.
Evidence allegedly links Casper-Leinenkugel to the 2007 death of Michael Schmidt in Henderson County. Detectives found she distributed a beverage containing the poisonous chemical acetonitrile, which can cause death or serious injury.
Acetonitrile is a solvent that is slowly converted to cyanide in the body, leading to delayed toxicity. The arrest warrants claim Casper-Leinenkugel knowingly placed this chemical into her victims' beverages, allegedly with malice aforethought.
