A Hobart man got four years probation Friday in a plea deal for his wife’s neglect death.
Edwin Burgos, 66, pleaded guilty to neglect of a dependent resulting in bodily injury, a Level 5 felony.
Lawyers said in court that the situation was complicated. Burgos was born with fluid in his brain that caused cognitive disabilities. He loved his wife, Patricia Burgos, 58, but wasn’t up to taking care of her.
His brother Albert Burgos, 58, testified that Edwin never learned how to read or write and was “horrible” with timelines. Despite it, he maintained an innocence.
He “fell in love” at an early age and told Albert he would marry Patricia.
“They did everything together,” he said.
In the years before she died, Patricia’s health was “declining,” including brain surgery that they weren’t sure she would survive.
Their son, Andrew Burgos, 28, testified briefly.
Daughter Lourdes Burgos said her mother continually went to the hospital for a variety of health ailments. Her parents loved each other.
“You name it, she probably experienced it,” she said. “Most days, she was tired, forgetful, delayed.”
Seeing her dad in custody was the “hardest thing,” she added. “I can’t believe this is real.”
Defense lawyer Maryrachel Durso said the wife’s needs were “more than he was able to handle.”
The police investigation before he was charged with her murder was “highly reliant” on Burgos or mentally disabled relatives, she said, adding to evidentiary issues.
The case was a “nightmare” for the family.
Deputy Prosecutor Infinity Westberg said she basically agreed with Durso.
“I did love my wife a lot,” Edwin said in court.
It was a “terrible, horrible tragedy,” acting judge Matt Fech said. They had a “beautiful love story” that was stymied by “cognitive issues.”
“I hope at some point you find peace,” he said.
According to the original affidavit, around 12:54 a.m. on Aug. 30, 2024, police were called to a residence in the 2900 block of State Street to find a dead woman in a bedroom, which was in heavy disarray, according to the probable cause affidavit. She had visible bruising on her head, face, and neck.
An autopsy report from the Lake County Coroner’s Office indicated that she was the victim of a homicide due to strangulation, including multiple blunt force traumas to the head, records state. There were dark brown contusions on her neck, which were from hemorrhages due to being strangled, and contusions on the lungs and brain.
Edwin Burgos Sr. told police that she fell down the stairs, which caused the bump on her eye and bruising and insisted that he didn’t hit her, court records state. He said he gave her medications on the morning of Aug. 29 and left her in bed, but checked on her several times during the day. When he came back in around 11 p.m., she was lying on the floor and not breathing. He drove to a residence in Hobart to ask for help, then headed back to Lake Station, where police were present, the affidavit states.
He denied choking Patricia Burgos in his first interview with police.
Post-Tribune archives contributed.
