Woman Accused of Poisoning Daughter Will Not Face Death Penalty

Gudrun Linda Casper-Leinenkugel charged with murder, attempted murder, and food/beverage distribution in 2007 and 2025 incidents.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Prosecutors in North Carolina have decided not to pursue the death penalty against Gudrun Linda Casper-Leinenkugel, who is accused of poisoning the drinks of at least four people, killing her 32-year-old daughter Leela Jean Livis and a man named Michael Schmidt. Casper-Leinenkugel has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, and three counts of distribution of certain food or beverage.

Why it matters

This case has garnered significant attention due to the alleged use of a deadly chemical to poison multiple victims, including Casper-Leinenkugel's own daughter. The decision not to seek the death penalty raises questions about the prosecution's strategy and the potential mitigating factors they may have considered.

The details

Casper-Leinenkugel is accused of lacing a wine bottle with acetonitrile, a chemical that metabolizes into cyanide, during a Thanksgiving gathering in 2025. Three attendees, including her daughter Leela Livis, fell ill after drinking from the bottle, and Livis later died. The case also led detectives to evidence allegedly linking Casper-Leinenkugel to the 2007 death of Michael Schmidt, whose death certificate listed the cause as "acute acetonitrile toxicity, probably huffing."

  • On Nov. 30, 2025, the alleged poisonings occurred during a Thanksgiving gathering.
  • Leela Livis died on Dec. 1, 2025.
  • The hearing where prosecutors announced they would not pursue the death penalty was held on Feb. 26, 2026.

The players

Gudrun Linda Casper-Leinenkugel

A North Carolina woman accused of poisoning the drinks of at least four people, killing her 32-year-old daughter Leela Jean Livis and a man named Michael Schmidt.

Leela Jean Livis

Casper-Leinenkugel's 32-year-old daughter, who died after allegedly drinking from a wine bottle laced with acetonitrile.

Michael Schmidt

A man whose 2007 death is also allegedly linked to Casper-Leinenkugel, with his death certificate listing the cause as "acute acetonitrile toxicity, probably huffing."

Richard Pegg

One of the attendees at the 2025 Thanksgiving gathering who fell ill after drinking from the allegedly poisoned wine bottle.

Mia Lacey

Another attendee at the 2025 Thanksgiving gathering who fell ill after drinking from the allegedly poisoned wine bottle.

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What they’re saying

“My firstborn kid. When I first found out that Leela had died, it was a gut punch.”

— Travis Peterson, Leela Livis' father (WLOS)

What’s next

Casper-Leinenkugel's next hearing is set for April 30, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal and ethical considerations surrounding cases involving alleged poisonings and the death penalty. The decision not to pursue the death penalty may reflect the prosecution's assessment of the evidence and mitigating factors, but it also raises questions about the appropriate punishment for such a serious crime.