A 15-year-old Wisconsin boy was charged Monday with first degree murder in the death of his grandmother late last month.
Authorities in South Milwaukee reported receiving a call on August 27 about 68-year-old Elizabeth Totsky, who was in critical condition as emergency responders attempted to revive her, according to WITI. She was subsequently taken to a hospital, where she passed away four days later.
Initially, the teenager contacted 911 saying his grandmother experienced a seizure and collapsed in the kitchen. However, an autopsy later disclosed neck fractures and hemorrhages, with the medical examiner concluding her death resulted from strangulation, classifying it as a homicide.
The juvenile was apprehended last week with a media blackout on his identity issued by the juvenile court commission. By Monday, he was prosecuted as an adult, and The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel revealed him as Edward Barbara. Reports indicate he resided with his grandmother and older brother in their home.
Information from the police disclosed that Totsky’s husband claimed this was the second incident of Barbara strangling her. Totsky had confided in him that two months prior, Barbara had put her in a chokehold, causing her to faint, and she regained consciousness to find him standing over her.
As reported by WISN, Barbara admitted to the crime when presented with the autopsy findings, detailing that he used his right arm and elbow to strangle his grandmother from behind for approximately five minutes.
The boy will be tried as an adult. As his court appearance on Monday, he was ordered held on a $100,000 bond.
