HENDERSON COUNTY, NC – A Henderson County woman is accused of committing murders that span nearly 18 years, after authorities say she poisoned members of her own family, resulting in two deaths and several additional charges.

Gudrun Linda Jean Casper-Leinenkugel, 52, now faces two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, and multiple charges related to distributing hazardous substances, court documents show. Investigators allege that she played a central role in the deaths of her daughter, Leela Jean Livis, and Michael Schmidt, a man who died in 2007, both incidents said to have been caused by poisoning.

Court filings reveal that the earlier case, involving Schmidt, occurred in October 2007. However, suspicions were renewed following an incident over Thanksgiving in 2025, when Leinenkugel allegedly tried to poison her other daughter, Mia Lacey, and Lacey’s boyfriend, Richard Pegg. According to warrants, the wine served at the holiday gathering was infused with acetonitrile, a solvent that converts into a lethal form of cyanide upon ingestion.

Authorities contend that Casper-Leinenkugel’s actions led to fatal and life-threatening outcomes. The warrants state she “knowingly distributed a beverage containing acetonitrile,” resulting in the death of Livis and the serious injury of others.

Law enforcement officials say the recent developments emerged from a prolonged investigation, which is still ongoing and now involves multiple agencies. The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office has taken the lead, coordinating efforts to collect more information and track the scope of the alleged crimes.

Individuals who interacted with Casper-Leinenkugel in previous years have begun to process the disturbing allegations. Former acquaintances recall her as an unpredictable figure during her time running Patton Public House, an Asheville restaurant she owned before it closed. One former employee described the environment under Casper-Leinenkugel as “unpredictable,” while expressing disbelief at the charges now leveled against her.

While the business attracted attention for payroll and management issues in the past, there were no criminal charges in connection with the workplace complaints. Employees recall unusual behavior, but none anticipated the severity of the accusations she currently faces.

Casper-Leinenkugel was taken into custody on January 16 and served with the warrants that same day, according to court records. She is being held as the investigation into her alleged involvement expands.

Officials have called on the community to come forward with any information on Casper-Leinenkugel or her past. The Violent Crime Unit of the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office is leading the appeal, urging those with knowledge of her activities or other similar incidents to assist with the investigation.

As authorities work to piece together the timeline and possible motives, the case remains open, and investigators are pursuing additional leads. No further details on a potential court appearance or legal representation for Casper-Leinenkugel have been released at this time.