Wrongful-death lawsuit filed against Vernon Hills man days before his criminal trial is to begin
The family of a Vernon Hills woman who authorities say was killed by her husband in 2011 has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against him days before the start of his criminal trial.
The family of Rachel Stolberg seeks damages of more than $150,000 against Ronald Stolberg, their attorney, Gary N. Foley of Round Lake Beach, said. The lawsuit was filed Friday in Lake County circuit court, Foley said.
Ronald Stolberg’s murder trial is expected to start with jury selection Monday in front of Lake County Judge Mark Levitt.
Stolberg, 49, is charged with four counts of murder for in the death of his 54-year-old wife at their home on the 300 block of Farmington Lane in Vernon Hills.
Authorities said Ronald Stolberg became angered with his wife after she frequently woke him the night she was killed. Authorities said Ronald Stolberg got into a wrestling match with her and cut off her ability to breathe.
If found guilty, he could spend up to 60 years in prison.
Stolberg is held in Lake County jail without bond. He was initially freed from custody after posting 10 percent of $3 million bail, but he was sent back to jail in September 2012 after he intentionally cut off his ankle monitoring device.