Richard Engberg enters a Door County courtroom Sept. 21, 2026, to face charges in connection with the death of his girlfriend. PC: Fox 11 Online
Warning: Some readers may find the contents of this story disturbing.
STURGEON BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — An Ellison Bay woman was left outside for up to two weeks, and was found covered in sores and maggots before dying. Her boyfriend — whom paramedics described as not being capable to care for himself, much less another person — now faces a criminal charge in the case.
Richard Engberg, 83, was charged with one count of recklessly subjecting an individual at risk to abuse causing death. The 79-year-old victim is not named in the criminal complaint.
During a balance of initial appearance Monday in Door County court, Engberg’s attorney asked for a competency review. Judge David Weber ordered the psychiatric evaluation. Results will be discussed Oct. 29.
Competency refers to the defendant’s ability to understand the court proceedings and assist in his own defense.
According to the criminal complaint, Engberg called 911 on Sept. 7, with paramedics responding to the Ellison Bay home.
“Paramedics explained that when they arrived on scene, VICTIM was located lying on the ground, on her side near the front porch of the residence. VICTIM had maggots and sores covering her side. Engberg told paramedics he knew about VICTIM’s condition and had left her there for approximately 1 to 2 weeks. Paramedics advised that Engberg was VICTIM’s boyfriend or domestic partner. Paramedics explained that when they began rolling VICTIM, her skin started peeling off. They also could hear maggots and see the infestation on her person. Paramedics used saline to moisten the skin. Engberg told paramedics he had been keeping VICTIM moist by spraying her with a garden hose ‘every once in a while,'” the complaint states.
Engberg told the paramedics the woman said she was comfortable on the porch, so he left her there. After she stopped talking, however, he called for help.
Paramedics documented multiple maggots, but could not remove them all. She also had sections of open wounds. She was unable to form sentences, and only moaned in pain as she was moved and treated.
“When asked why he did not call 911 during the weeks of deterioration, Engberg said that he and VICTIM had discussed what they wanted to do and had just gotten their finances covered. Engberg said he and VICTIM wanted to see if the situation would improve. Engberg said VICTIM had told him she did not want to go to the hospital,” the complaint states.
The woman died on Sept. 10, three days after medical help was called.
Engberg told investigators the woman had a son who lives in Luxemburg, who had not visited since last fall or winter. Another son died about three years ago, he said.
Comments