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Lawyer: Support for suspect in Barrington slaying has been 'overwhelming'

A Barrington man accused of killing his wife after an argument over a coffee maker will soon post bond and go free while awaiting trial, his lawyer said Monday.

Support from family members and friends for Larry Lotz, 65, has been "overwhelming," defense attorney Robert Hauser said after a Lake County judge refused to lower his client's $3 million bail Monday, meaning he needs to put up $300,000 to get out of jail while the case is pending.

"I'm confident his family, friends and neighbors will be able to get the $300,000 necessary to get him out," Hauser said. "His family members, neighbors and friends are behind him."

Lotz faces three counts of first-degree murder stemming from the Jan. 15 shooting of his 59-year-old wife, Karen.

Authorities say Lotz and his wife argued that day over his leaving on the coffee maker. After unplugging the coffee maker, Lotz retreated to an office area above his garage to be alone, officials said.

When his wife used a key to enter the locked office, Lotz shot her three times, including once in the head, authorities allege.

Hauser said the case is "unusual" and indicated he may pursue an insanity defense at trial.

Monday was the second time Lotz unsuccessfully asked Judge Daniel Shanes to lower his bail. The judge denied a similar request in March.

On each occasion, Shanes told Hauser he wasn't prepared to lower bail unless Lotz goes somewhere for psychological treatment.

"I'm not comfortable with (Lotz) simply going home," Shanes said. "This is a murder case."

Hauser previously said he wants his client, a Vietnam veteran, treated at the veterans hospital in North Chicago for post-traumatic stress disorder. Hauser said Monday the VA hospital would not accept a jail transfer into its locked facility.

Hauser said Lotz will seek medical and psychological help if he posts bond.

Lotz is scheduled to return to court on June 27. His trial is now set for Aug. 22.

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