A North Carolina mother accused of murdering her daughter by poisoning Thanksgiving wine with a toxic chemical has been denied bond as she faces multiple serious charges. Gudrun Casper-Leinenkugel, 52, allegedly killed her daughter and poisoned two others during a family dinner in November, with authorities revealing disturbing details about the case.
Thanksgiving Dinner Turns Deadly
According to court documents and reports from the Henderson County Sheriff's Office, Casper-Leinenkugel hosted twelve people for Thanksgiving dinner in November 2025. During the gathering, authorities allege she poisoned wine that was consumed by her daughter Leela Livis, another daughter, and her daughter's boyfriend. The bottle was reportedly laced with acetonitrile, a clear, colorless liquid commonly used as an industrial solvent and in lithium battery production.
Chemical Converts to Cyanide in Body
The chemical substance metabolizes into cyanide once inside the human body, creating a deadly transformation. Following the Thanksgiving meal, all three victims became seriously ill, with Leela Livis tragically passing away on December 1. The two other poisoned individuals survived the incident but required medical treatment.
During the bond hearing, prosecutors presented evidence showing that Casper-Leinenkugel's internet search history included queries about "What happens if I accidentally ingest acetonitrile." This digital evidence has become a crucial component of the prosecution's case against the restaurant owner.
Multiple Charges and Previous Case
Casper-Leinenkugel was arrested on January 16 and now faces two counts each of first-degree murder and attempted murder, along with three counts of distribution of certain prohibited food and beverage substances. The charges relate to two separate incidents spanning nearly two decades.
In addition to the 2025 Thanksgiving poisoning, authorities have connected the suspect to a 2007 case involving the death of Michael Schmidt, who perished in a house fire that year. The Henderson County Sheriff's Office has indicated they found evidence linking Casper-Leinenkugel to that incident, and investigators are reportedly examining her possible connection to other deaths currently under review.
Restaurateur Background and Business Troubles
Before her arrest, Casper-Leinenkugel operated as a well-known restaurateur in North Carolina. She opened the Patton Public House in Asheville in July 2013, describing it as a European-inspired pub that aimed to recreate the comfort food and beer culture she experienced growing up in Germany and along the Wisconsin-Minnesota border.
"We're actually trying to bring back what a public house used to be," she told local media in 2016 when her establishment received coverage. The businesswoman previously owned a laundromat and emphasized her work ethic, stating she had been working since age 13.
However, the restaurant faced difficulties in later years. In 2018, several employees came forward claiming they were not being paid on time, with hostess Maci Hold telling WLOS, "I mean, it's ridiculous. I come up here, and I bust my butt off day-by-day and get nothing? I'm not here for a pat on the back." The establishment is no longer in operation.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Penalties
Prosecutors have indicated that Casper-Leinenkugel could potentially face the death penalty if convicted on the murder charges. The court has denied her bond request, deeming her a flight risk and danger to the community. She is scheduled to appear back in court on February 10 for further proceedings.
The case has shocked the local community, particularly given the suspect's previous standing as a business owner and the horrific nature of the allegations involving a family holiday gathering. Authorities continue to investigate both the Thanksgiving poisoning and the historical cases potentially connected to the defendant.
