A North Carolina woman has been charged with the murders of her daughter and another individual, with prosecutors opting not to pursue the death penalty in this high-profile case. Gudrun Linda Casper-Leinenkugel is facing serious allegations, including two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted first-degree murder, as well as multiple charges related to the distribution of harmful food or beverages.
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At a recent court session held in Henderson County, Assistant District Attorney John Douglas Mundy announced that the case against Casper-Leinenkugel would proceed without the possibility of capital punishment, according to reports from local news outlets, including the Asheville Citizen Times and WLOS. This decision came during a Rule 24 hearing, a procedural step for cases that could potentially lead to the death penalty.
The charges stem from events surrounding a Thanksgiving gathering on November 30, 2025, where four individuals—Casper-Leinenkugel’s daughter, Leela Jean Livis, her daughter’s boyfriend Richard Pegg, and another guest, Mia Lacey—reportedly consumed wine that was allegedly poisoned. Livis tragically passed away on December 1, 2025, after drinking from the same bottle as the others, leading to significant health complications.
Court documents indicate that the wine was contaminated with acetonitrile, a chemical typically used in manufacturing processes that can metabolise into cyanide. Following Livis’ death, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) connected the ongoing investigation to the suspected poisoning of additional individuals at the gathering.
Further complicating the case, detectives uncovered links between Casper-Leinenkugel and the 2007 death of another man, Michael Schmidt, also believed to have died from acetonitrile poisoning. According to Schmidt’s death certificate, his cause of death was recorded as “acute acetonitrile toxicity,” likely associated with inhalation of the chemical—a practice often linked to huffing.
Casper-Leinenkugel, a former entrepreneur known for her involvement with various restaurants in Asheville, including Bean Werks Coffee and Tea and the Patton Public House, has vehemently denied the accusations against her. Her attorney, Paul Bidwell, reaffirmed her commitment to defending herself against the serious charges.
As the legal proceedings continue, the emotional toll on the family has been evident. Travis Peterson, Livis’ father, spoke to the media about the profound impact of his daughter’s death, describing the experience as a “gut punch.” He expressed bewilderment and sorrow over the loss of his firstborn child.
During the court hearing, several members of Casper-Leinenkugel’s family were present, including Lacey, one of the individuals allegedly affected by the poison. This aspect of the case has added layers of complexity and familial tension, as both victims and accused share deep personal connections.
Casper-Leinenkugel’s next legal appearance is scheduled for April 30, where further developments in the case are expected to be addressed. As the trial date approaches, the community remains vigilant, closely following the unfolding situation.