Ellison Bay, Wisconsin — An 83-year-old Wisconsin man is facing a criminal charge after his 79-year-old girlfriend was found barely responsive on the front porch of their home, where police say she may have remained for as long as two weeks before being taken to a hospital.

Richard Engberg was arrested Sept. 9, two days after he called 911 to report that his girlfriend needed medical attention. Paramedics arrived at the home in Ellison Bay on the night of Sept. 7 and found the woman near the porch, surrounded by overgrown vegetation and in extremely poor condition.

She was taken to a Green Bay hospital but died three days later, on Sept. 10.

Woman Found in Critical Condition on Porch

According to a criminal complaint, the woman was found naked and covered with a comforter, lying on her side and barely responsive.

Paramedics reportedly observed multiple ulcers on her skin that were filled with maggots. When they attempted to move her, she reportedly screamed in pain because her skin was peeling.

Emergency workers used a MegaMover to remove her from the area near the porch before transporting her to HSHS St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay.

The severity of her condition prompted law enforcement to investigate how long she had been outside and what care she had received before emergency responders arrived.

Police Say She May Have Been Outside for Weeks

Engberg told investigators that his girlfriend’s health had begun deteriorating approximately three weeks before his 911 call.

He reportedly told police that she initially began driving erratically and experiencing memory problems. About a week after those symptoms appeared, Engberg said she experienced a seizure-like episode during which she was “saying strange things” and “twitching.”

According to the complaint, the woman initially wanted to wait and see whether her condition improved before seeking medical help.

Her health subsequently worsened. She developed gastrointestinal problems and eventually began spending more time on the front porch. Engberg told investigators that attempts to move her caused her to yell in pain and complain about being touched.

Police estimated that the woman had remained on the porch for approximately 1 to 2 weeks.

Engberg Described Attempts to Care for Her

During his interview with police, Engberg said he tried to provide care while his girlfriend remained outside.

He reportedly gave her water, although she eventually refused it. He also provided yogurt and ice cream, which he said were the only foods she would accept.

Engberg told investigators that he would wipe her down to keep her clean and would use a garden hose to rinse her off. According to the complaint, Engberg said his girlfriend “expressed relief when he did this and thanked him.”

However, investigators concluded that the woman’s condition indicated an extreme level of neglect regardless of whether Engberg intended to hurt her.

Police Question Engberg’s Ability to Provide Care

The criminal complaint also raised concerns about Engberg’s own condition.

Paramedics who responded to the home reportedly believed that Engberg was not “capable of caring for himself, much less another person,” and questioned his level of cognitive functioning.

A sergeant who later spoke with Engberg also reportedly said he “did not feel comfortable that Engberg understood his rights.”

Those observations have become particularly significant as the court considers whether Engberg is competent to proceed with the criminal case.

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Police acknowledged that Engberg may not have intended to harm his girlfriend. However, investigators said the circumstances showed that the woman had allegedly been living in extreme neglect while her medical condition deteriorated.

Judge Orders Competency Examination

Engberg was charged with recklessly subjecting an individual at risk to abuse causing death.

During a court appearance Monday, a judge ordered Engberg to undergo a competency examination to determine whether he is able to understand the proceedings and assist in his defense.

A hearing concerning the results of that examination was scheduled for Oct. 29. Engberg remains in custody at the Door County Jail.

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