In a shocking turn of events, Sarah Scheffer, a 37-year-old part-time art and design teacher at Calvary Lutheran High School in Jefferson City, Missouri, stands accused of a sinister plot to poison her husband using the roots of the lily of the valley plant in a homemade smoothie, leading to her arrest and charges of first-degree attempted murder.
The Jefferson County Police Department began their investigation on January 16, following a call involving allegations of intentional poisoning. The victim, Scheffer’s husband, reported experiencing symptoms such as blurred vision, confusion, dry mouth, fatigue, and nausea over a period of six weeks. He suspected his wife had been adding unknown substances to his food and drinks.
The breakthrough in the case came when the victim discovered a bag labeled “Lily of the Valley” in their home. He provided law enforcement with a photo of the bag and a green bowl, along with a video of his wife making a smoothie using the roots from the bag. The smoothie was subsequently submitted for testing.
Tim Evans, a veterinary toxicologist at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, provided insight into the effects of the lily of the valley plant:
“I mean if you eat enough of that in a short period of time you can see signs relatively quickly. But it all depends on what part of the plant and how much of it is consumed.”
Following the investigation, the Jefferson County Police Department located Sarah Scheffer and brought her in for an interview. During the interview, Scheffer admitted to putting Lily of the Valley in her husband’s food. She was aware of the substance’s potential to cause death or a serious illness.
In light of these events, Scheffer has been placed on leave from her teaching position at Calvary Lutheran High School. The school’s Executive Director, John Christman, issued a statement noting that the alleged conduct was outside of Scheffer’s association with the school and did not involve a student or any other school personnel.
“The alleged conduct was outside of the employee’s association with the school and did not involve a student or any other school personnel. As a Christian community, Calvary Lutheran High School believes in protecting the well-being of all individuals who are part of our programs and we seek to respond in a caring and sensitive manner to everyone in our school community.”
Scheffer is currently being held in Cole County Jail. As the case unfolds, it serves as a chilling reminder of the potential dangers lurking in our own backyards, and the lengths to which some will go to cause harm. This case continues to be under investigation and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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