Overview

• Cheryl Harris Gates was arrested on Oct. 10 and faces charges including attempted first-degree murder, contaminating food or drink to incapacitate, stalking, and damage to property, according to court records.
• An arrest warrant alleges she spiked her husband’s Celsius energy drink with prescription medications intending to cause a blackout or incapacitation, with reported incidents on July 12 and Aug. 18.
• An officer affidavit says Gates used ChatGPT between July 8 and Sept. 29 to research lethal and incapacitating drug combinations and the effects of poisons such as oleander, ricin, and foxglove.
• Investigators report seizing syringes, a capsule-filling kit, medical droppers, scales, medications, and other materials from her home workspace as evidence.
• Gates is identified as an occupational therapist with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, and a staff webpage about her role was removed; she was released after an initial arrest and later denied bond, local outlets report.