A child’s killing led detectives back nearly two decades, and what police uncovered next rewrote the mystery

Authorities say a North Carolina woman charged last year in the poisoning death of her own daughter has now been linked to a cold case murder dating back to 2007. The case came to light through NBC News, which detailed how investigators connected the two deaths nearly 18 years apart.

Gudrun Casper-Leinenkugel, 52, of Hendersonville, now faces two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, and three counts related to the distribution of prohibited food or beverages, according to arrest warrants. Prosecutors allege the most recent case involves the poisoning death of Leela Livis in 2025.

Authorities have confirmed Livis was Casper-Leinenkugel’s daughter and believe the poisoning occurred last November, shortly before her death. The charges also include the attempted murders of Richard Pegg and Mia Lacey, indicating investigators believe more than one person was targeted.

The investigation uncovered more than anyone expected

The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crime Unit, working alongside the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, has led the investigation. The updates arrived during a broader slate of national coverage that also included the Trump school funding ruling.

SBI spokesperson Chad Flowers confirmed investigators believe the poisoning occurred in November 2024 and that the victim was the suspect’s daughter. In a statement, the sheriff’s office said that after an extensive investigation, Casper-Leinenkugel was charged in connection with Livis’ murder and the attempted murders of Pegg and Lacey.

Authorities have not publicly detailed what substance was allegedly used in the poisonings. The same news cycle also tracked unrelated legal disputes, including the Florida fertility clinic lawsuit.

While examining the poisoning case, detectives also connected Casper-Leinenkugel to the death of Michael Schmidt, who died in a fire in October 2007. The death had remained unsolved until investigators revisited it during the current probe.

Officials have confirmed the link to Schmidt’s death but have declined to explain how the connection was made or what evidence led them to reopen the case. Casper-Leinenkugel remains held in the Henderson County Jail, and as of January 22, 2026, it was not clear whether she had retained legal representation.