Leela Livis Obituary, Death;- A woman has been charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder after allegedly poisoning at least three individuals by introducing a lethal chemical into their beverages, according to state investigators.
Gudrun Casper-Leinenkugel, 52, is facing charges related to the 2025 death of 32-year-old Leela Livis, as announced by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Authorities reported that Casper-Leinenkugel provided a drink containing acetonitrile, a substance that metabolizes into cyanide within the body and results in delayed toxicity.
Investigators have also connected Casper-Leinenkugel to a 2007 homicide in Henderson County, which has resulted in an additional first-degree murder charge, officials stated.
Casper-Leinenkugel, who formerly ran a restaurant in Asheville, is currently detained at the Henderson County Detention Facility following a judge’s denial of her release request.
