West Virginia Woman Charged in Husband's Death After Allegedly Leaving Him on Toilet for 19 Hours
Authorities accuse Margaret Rog of neglecting her incapacitated husband, who died from multiple serious conditions after being found in critical condition.
A 75-year-old West Virginia woman has been charged with abuse or neglect of an incapacitated adult after allegedly leaving her legally blind husband, who suffered from dementia and other conditions, on a toilet for over 19 hours. The husband, 76, died more than a week after being hospitalized in critical condition.
Margaret Louise Rog of Morgantown is accused of leaving her husband, identified in court documents as MSR, in the bathroom from approximately 3 p.m. on August 20 until the following morning. According to a criminal complaint, Rog stated that her husband was unable to stand and she could not help him, but she chose not to intervene or call for assistance.
During this period, the husband reportedly groaned in pain, and he was left without food, water, or his prescribed medications. Rog allegedly admitted to police that she knew her husband needed help but deliberately chose not to provide it, instead going to bed.
It was not until approximately 10 a.m. on August 21, when a speech therapist arrived for an in-home visit, that the man was discovered in a dangerously poor condition and 911 was called. He was transported to the hospital, where he died 10 days later on August 31.
Hospital staff determined that the man appeared to have suffered abuse or neglect. Doctors found him suffering from a litany of serious medical issues, including rhabdomyolysis, sepsis, hypernatremia, altered mental status, dyspnea, wounds to his buttocks, heart failure, respiratory failure, and a pulmonary embolism. Prosecutors stated that the injuries and deterioration he experienced after being left on the toilet were significant contributing factors to his death.
Court documents indicate that MSR relied on Rog for his care due to his dementia, Alzheimer's, legal blindness, and other conditions that left him legally classified as an incapacitated adult. He could not sustain his life or health without her assistance.
Rog was arrested and charged with abuse or neglect of an incapacitated adult. She has since posted her $75,000 bond and pleaded not guilty. Her first court hearing is scheduled for September 25.
