2 sisters found guilty in mother's neglect death

[August 15, 2009]  ST. CHARLES, Ill. (AP) -- Two sisters have been convicted of failing to provide adequate care their mother during the final months of her life.

According to the Kane County state's attorney's office, 57-year-old Jill Barry and 47-year-old Julie Barry were found guilty Thursday by Associate Judge Allen Anderson of one count each of criminal neglect of an elderly person. The sisters had waived their rights to a jury trial.

Authorities said 84-year-old Mary Virginia Barry died of pneumonia on April 27, 2007 at Delnor-Community Hospital in Geneva. The woman weighed only 70 pounds when she died a week after paramedics removed her from the family home.

Coroners said Mary Barry's pneumonia was enhanced by a history of bladder cancer, malnourishment, dehydration and neglect. An inquest jury ruled the death a homicide, placing blame on the sisters.

[Associated Press]

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