Why did she do it?
In a shocking incident, a Missouri-based art teacher from a Christian school is now facing legal consequences after being accused of attempting to poison her husband. The Jefferson City Police Department released a statement indicating that the arrest stemmed from a report by the husband on January 16, citing an “unexplained illness” that raised suspicions of intentional poisoning.
The ensuing investigation painted a disturbing picture as the husband, concerned about his health decline, took matters into his own hands by installing a kitchen camera. The footage allegedly captured the teacher, Sarah Elizabeth Scheffer, preparing a smoothie with a root-like substance labeled “lily of the valley,” a poisonous flower known to be harmful if ingested by humans and animals.
Scheffer, 37, reportedly confessed to deliberately adding substances to her husband’s food, fully aware of the potential for severe illness or even death. The toxic components included “numerous cardiac glycosides,” recognized for their ability to slow down the heart and induce irregular rhythms, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Sending shockwaves through the community, Scheffer, an art instructor at Calvary Lutheran High School, now faces charges of attempted murder and armed criminal action. She is currently being held without bail at Cole County Jail.
John Christman, the executive director at Calvary Lutheran, expressed disbelief at the allegations against a well-respected member of the teaching staff. Despite Scheffer’s professional achievements, the school emphasized that the alleged conduct was entirely unrelated to the school environment and did not involve any students or other personnel.
As legal proceedings unfold, Scheffer’s father, Marcus Blaskie, has come to his daughter’s defense, describing the accusations as sudden and unexpected. He portrayed her as a compassionate individual actively engaged in charitable efforts for third-world health causes. The husband’s suspicions, present for approximately six weeks, prompted the sharing of video evidence with law enforcement for thorough testing, unraveling a deeply distressing domestic situation with potentially severe consequences.