Topline: Authorities say a former Asheville pub owner used a cyanide-forming chemical to kill a woman and is linked to a 17-year-old homicide.
Published: January 23, 2026 8:17 am ET
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Gudrun Casper-Leinenkugel (via Henderson County Sheriff’s Office)
HENDERSONVILLE, NC — A North Carolina woman is accused of slipping a deadly chemical into the drinks of at least three people, killing one, and this might not be the first time she has committed murder.
Gudrun Linda Jean Casper-Leinenkugel, 52, is charged with the late 2025 poisoning death of her adopted daughter, Leela Jean Livis. She is currently being held in Henderson County Detention Center without bond.
Prosecutors also charged Casper-Leinenkugel with the attempted first-degree murder of Maija Lacey, 28, and Richard Pegg. The charges include three counts of distributing a prohibited food or beverage.
As per WHNS, Casper-Leinenkugel hosted a 12-person Thanksgiving dinner in 2025 where she allegedly spiked a bottle of wine shared by her two daughters and one of their boyfriends. All three became ill after drinking from the bottle, which was allegedly laced with acetonitrile.
The state said Casper-Leinenkugel’s search history shows she searched, “What happens if I accidentally ingest acetonitrile?” After the dinner, the three victims started feeling sick, and Livis died on Dec. 1, 2025
The investigation into the 2025 death led detectives to new evidence regarding the 2007 homicide of Michael Schmidt. Officials have not disclosed the specific nature of that evidence, citing the ongoing status of the double-murder probe.
According to an arrest warrant reviewed by Law & Crime, Casper-Leinenkugel placed acetonitrile into beverages accessible to the three victims. Acetonitrile is a clear, colorless solvent used in pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and battery manufacturing.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the human body converts acetonitrile into hydrogen cyanide. This compound is highly lethal and prevents cells from using oxygen.
The CDC classifies the solvent as a “pro-toxin.” It releases cyanide into the system over several hours, which often causes symptoms to appear long after the initial exposure.
Exposure to the chemical can cause headaches, dizziness, seizures, and irregular heartbeats. In severe cases, the chemical leads to respiratory failure and death.
Before the criminal charges, Casper-Leinenkugel was known in the Asheville area as the owner of Patton Public House. She opened the European-style pub in 2016.
In a profile by the Mountain Xpress, she described herself as a member of the family that runs Leinenkugel Brewing Co. in Wisconsin. She stated she had opened six restaurants across the country.
The Patton Public House featured German traditions and comfort food. The establishment was known for its “Drink the Wall” beer program and dishes such as schnitzel and sauerbraten.
Multiple agencies are participating in the criminal investigation. These include the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
The North Carolina Department of Insurance and the District Attorney’s Office are also involved. Officials stated there is no ongoing threat to the public.
WHNS reported that Casper-Leinenkugel is scheduled for a probable cause hearing in court on Feb. 10.
Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crime Unit by calling 828-694-2938.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Cyanide and Cold Cases: North Carolina Restaurateur Charged in Poisoning Deaths
Authorities say a former Asheville pub owner used a cyanide-forming chemical to kill a woman and is linked to a 17-year-old homicide.
By Kate Byrd
Published: January 23, 2026 8:17 am ET
Gudrun Casper-Leinenkugel (via Henderson County Sheriff’s Office)
HENDERSONVILLE, NC — A North Carolina woman is accused of slipping a deadly chemical into the drinks of at least three people, killing one, and this might not be the first time she has committed murder.
Gudrun Linda Jean Casper-Leinenkugel, 52, is charged with the late 2025 poisoning death of her adopted daughter, Leela Jean Livis. She is currently being held in Henderson County Detention Center without bond.
Prosecutors also charged Casper-Leinenkugel with the attempted first-degree murder of Maija Lacey, 28, and Richard Pegg. The charges include three counts of distributing a prohibited food or beverage.
As per WHNS, Casper-Leinenkugel hosted a 12-person Thanksgiving dinner in 2025 where she allegedly spiked a bottle of wine shared by her two daughters and one of their boyfriends. All three became ill after drinking from the bottle, which was allegedly laced with acetonitrile.
The state said Casper-Leinenkugel’s search history shows she searched, “What happens if I accidentally ingest acetonitrile?” After the dinner, the three victims started feeling sick, and Livis died on Dec. 1, 2025
The investigation into the 2025 death led detectives to new evidence regarding the 2007 homicide of Michael Schmidt. Officials have not disclosed the specific nature of that evidence, citing the ongoing status of the double-murder probe.
According to an arrest warrant reviewed by Law & Crime, Casper-Leinenkugel placed acetonitrile into beverages accessible to the three victims. Acetonitrile is a clear, colorless solvent used in pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and battery manufacturing.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the human body converts acetonitrile into hydrogen cyanide. This compound is highly lethal and prevents cells from using oxygen.
The CDC classifies the solvent as a “pro-toxin.” It releases cyanide into the system over several hours, which often causes symptoms to appear long after the initial exposure.
Exposure to the chemical can cause headaches, dizziness, seizures, and irregular heartbeats. In severe cases, the chemical leads to respiratory failure and death.
Before the criminal charges, Casper-Leinenkugel was known in the Asheville area as the owner of Patton Public House. She opened the European-style pub in 2016.
In a profile by the Mountain Xpress, she described herself as a member of the family that runs Leinenkugel Brewing Co. in Wisconsin. She stated she had opened six restaurants across the country.
The Patton Public House featured German traditions and comfort food. The establishment was known for its “Drink the Wall” beer program and dishes such as schnitzel and sauerbraten.
Multiple agencies are participating in the criminal investigation. These include the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
The North Carolina Department of Insurance and the District Attorney’s Office are also involved. Officials stated there is no ongoing threat to the public.
WHNS reported that Casper-Leinenkugel is scheduled for a probable cause hearing in court on Feb. 10.
Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crime Unit by calling 828-694-2938.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Cyanide and Cold Cases: North Carolina Restaurateur Charged in Poisoning Deaths
Authorities say a former Asheville pub owner used a cyanide-forming chemical to kill a woman and is linked to a 17-year-old homicide.
By Kate Byrd
Published: January 23, 2026 8:17 am ET
Gudrun Casper-Leinenkugel (via Henderson County Sheriff’s Office)
HENDERSONVILLE, NC — A North Carolina woman is accused of slipping a deadly chemical into the drinks of at least three people, killing one, and this might not be the first time she has committed murder.
Gudrun Linda Jean Casper-Leinenkugel, 52, is charged with the late 2025 poisoning death of her adopted daughter, Leela Jean Livis. She is currently being held in Henderson County Detention Center without bond.
Prosecutors also charged Casper-Leinenkugel with the attempted first-degree murder of Maija Lacey, 28, and Richard Pegg. The charges include three counts of distributing a prohibited food or beverage.
As per WHNS, Casper-Leinenkugel hosted a 12-person Thanksgiving dinner in 2025 where she allegedly spiked a bottle of wine shared by her two daughters and one of their boyfriends. All three became ill after drinking from the bottle, which was allegedly laced with acetonitrile.
The state said Casper-Leinenkugel’s search history shows she searched, “What happens if I accidentally ingest acetonitrile?” After the dinner, the three victims started feeling sick, and Livis died on Dec. 1, 2025
The investigation into the 2025 death led detectives to new evidence regarding the 2007 homicide of Michael Schmidt. Officials have not disclosed the specific nature of that evidence, citing the ongoing status of the double-murder probe.
According to an arrest warrant reviewed by Law & Crime, Casper-Leinenkugel placed acetonitrile into beverages accessible to the three victims. Acetonitrile is a clear, colorless solvent used in pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and battery manufacturing.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the human body converts acetonitrile into hydrogen cyanide. This compound is highly lethal and prevents cells from using oxygen.
The CDC classifies the solvent as a “pro-toxin.” It releases cyanide into the system over several hours, which often causes symptoms to appear long after the initial exposure.
Exposure to the chemical can cause headaches, dizziness, seizures, and irregular heartbeats. In severe cases, the chemical leads to respiratory failure and death.
Before the criminal charges, Casper-Leinenkugel was known in the Asheville area as the owner of Patton Public House. She opened the European-style pub in 2016.
In a profile by the Mountain Xpress, she described herself as a member of the family that runs Leinenkugel Brewing Co. in Wisconsin. She stated she had opened six restaurants across the country.
The Patton Public House featured German traditions and comfort food. The establishment was known for its “Drink the Wall” beer program and dishes such as schnitzel and sauerbraten.
Multiple agencies are participating in the criminal investigation. These include the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
The North Carolina Department of Insurance and the District Attorney’s Office are also involved. Officials stated there is no ongoing threat to the public.
WHNS reported that Casper-Leinenkugel is scheduled for a probable cause hearing in court on Feb. 10.
Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crime Unit by calling 828-694-2938.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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