Henderson County -- January 29, 2026: A Western North Carolina restaurateur, Gudrun Casper-Leinenkugel, former owner of Patton Public House in Asheville, faces murder and attempted murder charges, prompting investigators to examine potential connections between her business dealings and the alleged poisoning of family members.
The Allegations
Gudrun Linda Jean Casper-Leinenkugel, 52, was arrested January 16, 2026, in Henderson County and is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, and multiple counts of distributing prohibited food or beverages containing the poison acetonitrile. Authorities allege she poisoned family members at a 2025 Thanksgiving dinner. The victims include her daughter Leela Jean Livis, 32, who died December 1, 2025. Another daughter and her boyfriend also allegedly were victims. Casper-Leinenkugel is being held without bond at the Henderson County Detention Facility, and her next court date is February 10, 2026. She has not entered a plea.
A Cold Case Reopened
The investigation has now bridged a gap of nearly two decades. Authorities have linked Casper-Leinenkugel to the 2007 death of Michael Schmidt. While Schmidt was previously thought to have died in a house fire, new evidence has led to a first-degree murder charge in that case as well. Reports indicate that Schmidt had transferred all his properties to Casper-Leinenkugel shortly before his death.
The investigation involves the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Authorities are seeking tips from the public. Prosecutors have noted connections to other deaths under review. The death penalty is possible.
Business Background
Casper-Leinenkugel opened Patton Public House in Asheville in 2013. She claimed experience from six prior restaurants/bars and early businesses. The European-inspired pub was featured positively in local media in 2016. From 2016 to 2018, the restaurant faced scrutiny over payroll delays and management issues. Former employees described her as "weird" and the workplace as unpredictable. No charges resulted from the prior scrutiny. The restaurant is now closed. No poisoning links to her restaurant operations have surfaced in charges.
The investigation is ongoing, and Casper-Leinenkugel is presumed innocent.
WNCTimes
Image: Henderson County Sheriff's