75-year-old arrested, suspected of leaving husband with dementia in bathroom without food or water for 19 hours

Margaret Louise Rog, 75, is accused of abusing and neglecting her 76-year-old husband. According to authorities, he was left helpless for approximately 19 hours in the bathroom of their home, without food or water.

The serious incident was reported on September 15 in West Virginia and led to Rog’s arrest. She was taken to North Central Regional Jail on a charge of abuse, neglect or gross neglect of an incapacitated adult. According to the charge, the circumstances created a substantial risk of serious bodily injury or death.

The criminal complaint states that Rog told investigators her husband had entered the bathroom at around 3 p.m. on August 20 at the couple’s home in Morgantown. Authorities allege that she did not seek help or call 911 during the nearly 19 hours that followed, even as her husband’s condition worsened.

On August 21, the 76-year-old was found by a speech therapist who, according to court documents, described his condition as “dangerous and unresponsive.” The man had Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and was taken to the hospital in an extremely serious condition. He remained hospitalized until August 31, when he died.

An autopsy determined that his death was caused by sepsis and heart failure. Forensic experts concluded that the injuries he sustained while in the bathroom were significant contributing factors in his death. Rog denies the charges. The case is now before the courts, and the authorities’ allegations must be proven during legal proceedings.