A 75-year-old West Virginia woman is facing an abuse and neglect charge following the death of her 76-year-old husband, who had been living with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, legal blindness and other medical conditions.
According to court documents, Margaret Louise Rog allegedly left her husband unattended on a bathroom toilet for approximately 19 hours after he was unable to stand. Investigators say he was left without food, water or his prescribed medications before a visiting speech therapist discovered him in serious condition the following morning.
Rog was arrested on September 15 and later pleaded not guilty. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 25.
Husband Allegedly Remained on Toilet Overnight
The incident reportedly began on August 20, when Rog’s husband went to the bathroom at approximately 3 p.m. Investigators allege that he eventually became unable to get up from the toilet.
According to the criminal complaint, Rog was unable to help him stand but did not contact emergency services or seek assistance from someone else. Authorities allege that she left him in the bathroom without food, water or his medications.
Investigators further allege that Rog heard her husband groaning in pain and understood that he needed assistance but still did not call for help. Court documents say she eventually went to bed while her husband remained unattended.
The man was reportedly found around 10 a.m. the next day when a speech therapist arrived at the home for a scheduled visit. The therapist allegedly discovered him unresponsive and in dangerously poor condition and contacted emergency medical services.
Hospitalization and Death
The 76-year-old man was taken to a hospital, where medical professionals identified multiple serious conditions. Court documents and police reports cited by news outlets indicate that he was diagnosed with heart and respiratory failure, pulmonary embolism, sepsis, rhabdomyolysis and hypernatremia.
He also reportedly had wounds to his backside, shortness of breath and an altered mental state.
The man remained hospitalized and died on August 31, 11 days after he was discovered in the bathroom. Authorities said the injuries and medical deterioration associated with the period he spent on the toilet were significant contributing factors in his death.
Woman Faces Abuse and Neglect Charge
Rog is charged with abuse, neglect or gross neglect of an incapacitated adult creating a substantial risk of serious bodily injury or death.
Investigators said Rog made several statements during the investigation involving law enforcement, adult protective services and family members. According to the criminal complaint, authorities interpreted some of those statements as indicating that she understood her husband required assistance but chose not to provide it.
Rog pleaded not guilty and was released after posting a $75,000 bond. Her preliminary hearing is currently scheduled for September 25.
The allegations remain part of the criminal case, and the charge itself does not establish guilt. Further proceedings are expected to provide additional information about the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.
