LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville woman says her ex-daughter-in-law nearly killed her by exploiting a deadly food allergy—and allegedly used a child to help carry out the disturbing plan.
Deborah Williams spoke with WDRB on Thursday after a series of terrifying events that she believes were orchestrated by her former daughter-in-law, Tiffany Gregory, who is now facing multiple charges, including two counts of unlawful transaction with a minor.
Pictured: this image dated July 29, 2025, shows the jail booking photo for Tiffany Gregory. (Louisville Metro Corrections)
“I don’t want her to go to prison,” Williams said. “I want her to get help. She needs some serious, intense psychological help.”
What began as subtle harassment escalated into something potentially deadly. Williams, who is severely allergic to peppers and penicillin, said it started on her birthday several weeks ago. A gift bag appeared on the hood of her SUV – filled with crushed bell peppers.
“The Lord works in mysterious ways,” she said. “The day that the birthday bag was put on my car, I had been there off and on, and I never saw it. "
Text messages reviewed by WDRB and police show Gregory asked her ex-husband, Williams' son, “Did someone put a birthday present on your mom’s car on Monday?”
Williams said it was her husband who found the bag and threw it away. Police say Gregory had enlisted Williams’ granddaughter to help deliver the bag—one of two instances where minors were allegedly used.
“She groomed them,” she said. “She groomed them very well ... to hate you.”
The situation escalated again on Father’s Day, as Williams and her husband sat in their garage.
“I happened to see something pink on the car,” she said. “I thought maybe a kid had stuck bubble gum or something on the handle. I didn’t have a napkin, so I wiped it with my hand. It was liquidy, not sticky.”
What happened next she says nearly killed her.
“I went back in the garage, sat down, lit a cigarette — took two puffs — and I couldn’t breathe,” she said. “My whole body just ... it was like it was shaking on the inside. I got to the bed. And then, I don’t remember. My daughter and granddaughter said I was having seizures and convulsing.”
Williams believes Gregory smeared a substance containing penicillin on the car door handle, triggering a life-threatening allergic reaction. She was rushed to the hospital and survived.
Physically, she’s recovered — but the trauma remains. She says she’s endured stalking, threatening texts and ongoing harassment.
Still, she says she’s chosen forgiveness.
“I have already forgiven her,” Williams said. “I can’t hold animosity. I want to go to heaven. And if I judge her, and I’m angry with her, God is going to judge me the same way.”
Now, surrounded by her family, Williams hopes Gregory finds peace — and the help she needs.
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