A calm South Milwaukee neighborhood was shocked last month when police discovered a terrible case that has since been transformed into a homicide investigation. A 15-year-old boy from Wisconsin has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide in the death of his grandmother, Elizabeth Totsky, who was 68 years old.
According to authorities, the incident began on August 27, when South Milwaukee police and emergency responders arrived at Totsky’s residence. WITI reports that when officers arrived, firefighters were already working to revive her. She was taken to a local hospital, but died from her injuries four days later.
When the teenager first contacted 911, he informed the dispatchers that his grandma had passed out in the kitchen following a seizure. But a subsequent autopsy told a completely different tale: the medical examiner found that Totsky had been strangled to death, noting neck fractures and hemorrhages.
The teen, identified by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as Edward Barbara, was arrested last week. Although juvenile authorities initially withheld his name, prosecutors confirmed Monday that he would be tried as an adult.
During their investigation, investigators found troubling information. According to the police, Totsky’s husband informed them that Barbara had previously assaulted his grandmother. He allegedly sneaked up behind her, put her in a cho
kehold, and knocked her out around two months prior. Later, she told her husband that when she woke up, her grandchild was standing over her.
According to WISN, when confronted with the autopsy findings, Barbara admitted to strangling his grandmother. He allegedly confessed to putting her in a chokehold from behind, using his right arm and elbow to cut off her breathing for nearly five minutes.
On Monday, Barbara appeared in court, where he was formally charged as an adult. The judge ordered him held on a $100,000 bond as the case moves forward.
The tragic killing has left the community grappling with questions about mental health, family safety, and how a teenager could commit such a violent act within his own household.
Also Read: Ohio Teen Escapes Attempted Abduction, Police Arrest Suspect Minutes Later
