Painful 19-hour ordeal of an incapacitated man in a West Virginia bathroom results in a death investigation and his wife behind bars

Margaret Rog, 75, is currently facing charges after authorities accused her of leaving her 76-year-old husband in a bathroom for 19 hours, an incident that officials say contributed to his death. The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office arrested the West Virginia woman following an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of her husband. She is facing a charge of abuse or neglect of an incapacitated adult for her role in the event.

As reported by FOX News, according to investigators, the husband, who suffered from Alzheimer’s, dementia, and legal blindness, went to the bathroom. When he finished, Rog was reportedly unable to assist him in standing up or moving from the toilet. Instead of reaching out for professional medical assistance or calling for help, she allegedly left him sitting there unattended.

Deputies claim that Rog watched her husband as he groaned in pain but chose not to intervene. She allegedly went to bed while he remained in the bathroom for 19 hours without any access to his prescribed medications, food, or water. 

The man was reportedly in poor condition

The ordeal finally came to light the following day when a speech therapist arrived at the home for a scheduled visit. Upon finding the man unresponsive and in poor condition, the therapist contacted emergency services. 

He was rushed to the hospital, where medical professionals diagnosed him with several severe conditions, including heart failure, sepsis, pulmonary embolism, respiratory failure, hypernatremia, and rhabdomyolysis. Court records also note that he had sustained wounds on his backside and was suffering from an altered mental status.

Despite receiving medical care, the husband died on August 31. Investigators have stated that the injuries and the overall condition resulting from him being left on the toilet for that extended period were significant contributing factors to his death. During the investigation, Rog allegedly made several self-incriminating statements to family members, law enforcement, and adult protection services. 

According to court documents, she suggested that she was fully aware her husband needed assistance but deliberately opted against providing any help or seeking it from others. Rog also appeared in court and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge of abuse or neglect of an incapacitated adult. She has since posted a $75,000 bond.