News Summary
In a tragic incident in South Milwaukee, 15-year-old Edward Barbara has been charged as an adult with first-degree intentional homicide after allegedly strangling his 68-year-old grandmother, Elizabeth Totsky. The attack, described as unprovoked, occurred while they were cooking together. Emergency responders were called, but Totsky died four days later from her injuries. The case raises serious concerns about the perception of youth and violent crime, as Barbara faces significant legal repercussions for his actions.
South Milwaukee — Edward Barbara, a 15-year-old resident of South Milwaukee, has been charged as an adult with first-degree intentional homicide in connection with the death of his 68-year-old grandmother, Elizabeth Totsky. The charge follows an incident on August 27, when Totsky was strangled in her home during what has been described as an unprovoked attack.
After the incident, Barbara called 911, reporting that his grandmother had collapsed while they were cooking eggs together. Emergency medical personnel quickly arrived at the Totsky residence, and Totsky was subsequently transported to a local hospital. Despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries four days later, on August 31.
Barbara made his initial court appearance via video link on September 8, where he was informed by Court Commissioner Barry Phillips that despite his age, he would be treated as an adult under current laws. If convicted, he could face a life sentence in prison. The court has set Barbara’s bail at $100,000 and has prohibited him from any contact with his family during the ongoing legal proceedings.
The circumstances surrounding Totsky’s death are deeply troubling. Police were called to the Totsky home shortly after 2:15 p.m. on August 27, ultimately finding Totsky alert on the kitchen floor, receiving assistance from emergency personnel. An autopsy later confirmed that Totsky’s death was a result of strangulation, noting multiple injuries around her neck.
Investigators discovered that this violent incident was not the first between Barbara and Totsky. Her husband informed police that approximately two months prior, Barbara had choked Totsky until she lost consciousness. The investigation was further supported by doorbell camera footage, which confirmed that only Barbara and Totsky were present at the home at the time of the incident.
During police questioning, Barbara initially provided misleading information, claiming he had been separate from his grandmother during the incident and suggesting she had suffered from a seizure. When confronted with evidence from the autopsy and other findings, he eventually confessed to strangling Totsky for approximately five minutes.
Barbara’s legal representation has argued for a lower bail amount, emphasizing that he has strong ties to the local community and is not considered a flight risk. However, Court Commissioner Phillips characterized the allegations as “almost unbelievable” and “unconscionable.” Barbara’s next court hearing is scheduled for September 17, where discussions may include the possibility of transferring the case to juvenile court due to Barbara’s age and diagnosed mental health issues.
The case has attracted significant media attention, raising concerns regarding youth and violent crime, as well as the legal treatment of minors in serious criminal cases. Wisconsin law permits children as young as ten to be charged as adults for severe offenses, including homicide. As Barbara’s case progresses, it will likely continue to draw scrutiny from both legal experts and the public regarding the implications of charging minors in such serious matters.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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15-Year-Old Boy Accused of Strangling Grandmother in South Milwaukee
15-Year-Old Boy Charged with Homicide in South Milwaukee
15-Year-Old Arrested for Homicide in South Milwaukee
South Milwaukee: 15-Year-Old Arrested for Homicide
Additional Resources
- Jsonline: South Milwaukee Teen Charged with Homicide
- Wikipedia: Homicide
- WISN: Boy Charged with Homicide
- Google Search: South Milwaukee Homicide
- Fox 6 Now: South Milwaukee Teen Charged
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- TMJ4: Teen Charged with Murder
- Google News: South Milwaukee Teen Grandmother Death
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
