JEFFERSON COUNTY, MO – A woman working as a teacher at a Christian school in Jefferson County is facing serious charges, including first-degree attempted murder, for allegedly attempting to poison her husband. The investigation began following her husband’s series of mysterious illnesses.
Sarah Scheffer, a 37-year-old art and design instructor at Calvary Lutheran High School, was initially charged with first-degree domestic assault last week. The charges came after her husband reported chronic illness that he believed was connected to Scheffer’s actions.
Further investigation prompted authorities to also charge Scheiffer with attempted murder and armed criminal action, according to an official report. The husband attributed his illness to a series of instances where food or a drink offered by Scheffer had an unusual taste. Shortly after consuming these items, he experienced severe symptoms, including fatigue, confusion, nausea, blurred vision, and dry mouth.
On December 31, her husband reported that a drink she had offered had, to his taste, a bitter edge. Upon inquiry, Scheiffer allegedly told him she had put urine and industrial-strength adhesive into the drink. This prompted the husband to install a secret camera in the kitchen to monitor further actions.
The surveillance footage unveiled Scheffer adding ‘lily of the valley’ root into a smoothie intended for her husband. Ingesting this root poses severe health risks due to the plant’s cardiac glycosides, which the National Capital Poison Center describes as life-threatening if consumed. The plant slows the heart’s function when consumed and causes erratic rhythms. Scheffer confessed to police having poisoned her husband’s smoothie using the toxic plant root, fully aware that the action could cause harm or death.
Further investigation revealed Scheffer’s alleged romantic relationship with a Pakistan resident and her plans to fly to the same country.
In addition to the charges, Scheffer is now on leave from Calvary Lutheran High School, where she was considered a part-time employee. Her father, Marcus Blaskie, expressed surprise at the charges, stating they didn’t align with his daughter’s character.
Sarah Scheffer remains detained in the Cole County Jail without bond, and no hearings associated with the case have been scheduled as of now.