Bail remains at $3 million for Barrington man in coffee maker killing
A Barrington man accused of killing his wife after a fight over a coffee maker was ordered to remain in Lake County jail on $3 million bail Friday.
Assistant State's Attorney Lauren Kalcheim-Rothenberg said Judge Daniel Shanes denied a defense attorney request to lower bail for Larry Lotz to $500,000. Had the request been approved, Lotz, 65, would have needed $50,000 to be released from jail.
Defense attorney Robert Hauser said he wanted Lotz's bail lowered so the Vietnam veteran could be treated at the veterans hospital in North Chicago for post-traumatic stress disorder.
However, Kalcheim-Rothenberg said, Lotz had never been diagnosed with PTSD, and no beds in a locked facility were available at the veterans hospital.
Lotz faces three counts of first-degree murder in the Jan. 15 shooting of his 59-year-old wife, Karen.
Authorities say Lotz told Barrington police during a videotaped interview he shot his wife after he became upset when she "began to nag him."
The fatal shooting occurred after Lotz and his wife got into an argument over him leaving the coffee maker on, authorities said. After unplugging the coffee maker, Lotz retreated to an office area above his garage to be alone, officials said.
According to authorities, Karen Lotz used a key to enter the locked office, and Larry Lotz shot her three times, including once in the head.
After the shooting, Lotz called his son, who urged him to call 9-1-1, authorities said. Barrington police arrived at the house just before 1 a.m. Jan. 15 and found Karen Lotz with "serious injuries." She was taken to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital near Lake Barrington, where she later died.
Lotz is scheduled to go on trial May 9. He is due back in court April 13.