An 83-year-old Wisconsin man is facing a felony charge after his 79-year-old girlfriend was found in serious medical distress outside their Ellison Bay home, where investigators say she may have remained for one to two weeks before emergency help was called.
Richard Engberg called 911 on the evening of Sept. 7, saying his girlfriend needed medical attention. Emergency responders arrived at the home and found the woman lying near the front porch, partly covered by a comforter and surrounded by overgrown vegetation.
Responders reported that she had numerous open sores and maggots on her body. Her condition was so severe that her skin began peeling when paramedics tried to move her. She was barely responsive and cried out in pain during the effort to get her to medical care. She was eventually taken to a Green Bay hospital, where she died on Sept. 10.
The criminal complaint says the woman’s health had deteriorated over several weeks. Engberg told investigators that she had begun experiencing memory problems, confusion and an episode that appeared similar to a seizure. He also described other physical problems that developed as her condition worsened.
According to the complaint, the woman eventually began spending most of her time on the porch. Engberg told investigators that she appeared more comfortable there and wanted to remain outside. He said he brought her food and water and tried to clean her, but she eventually refused water and accepted only small amounts of foods such as yogurt and ice cream.
Engberg also told investigators that he sometimes used a garden hose to keep her body wet and clean. Investigators said the woman had apparently remained outside for at least a week and possibly as long as two weeks before help was called.
Engberg told authorities that he and the woman had discussed whether to seek medical care and that they decided to wait to see whether her condition improved. He said she did not want to go to the hospital. The complaint says he eventually called 911 after she stopped responding and was no longer taking food or water.
The response raised concerns about both the woman’s condition and Engberg’s ability to care for her. Paramedics reportedly questioned whether he was capable of caring for himself, much less another person. An investigator also expressed concern about whether Engberg fully understood his rights during questioning.
Engberg was charged with recklessly subjecting an individual at risk to abuse causing death, a felony. The charge alleges that the woman’s death followed a period of severe neglect, although the criminal case must still be resolved in court.
Judge Orders Competency Evaluation
The case moved forward in Door County Circuit Court on Sept. 21. During the hearing, Engberg’s attorney requested a competency evaluation, and Judge David Weber ordered a psychiatric assessment.
The evaluation is intended to determine whether Engberg understands the court proceedings and can assist in his own defense. A hearing to review the results is scheduled for Oct. 29, according to the latest court reporting.
Engberg remains in custody. His bail was reported at $100,000.
If he is found competent and later convicted, the felony charge could carry a potential sentence of up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000, according to the latest reporting on the case.
The woman has not been publicly identified in the criminal complaint. The case remains pending, and the allegations against Engberg have not been proven in court.
