Schaumburg mom convicted of killing disabled daughter freed on bond
The Schaumburg mom sentenced to four years in prison for the 2015 death of her severely disabled daughter was released on bond from the Logan Correctional Facility Friday afternoon after serving about three months.
Bonnie Liltz, wearing a white shirt and gray shorts, walked out of the prison near Lincoln about 2 p.m. Friday surrounded by relatives. She said she was glad to be with her family and said she was tired and "in shock" that her release was granted.
Defense attorney Thomas Glasgow cited Liltz's chronic health conditions in his motion for bond, which was granted while she appeals her sentence.
Liltz's treatment for ovarian cancer in 1981 led to organ damage, according to court records. A 2012 cancer recurrence forced Liltz to place 28-year-old Courtney, who had cerebral palsy, could not walk nor talk and required 24-hour care, in a state facility where the care was not up to Liltz's standards. Liltz began having further health complications last year.
For the appellate court to grant bail, a defendant must show significant health issues or a strong likelihood that the defendant will prevail upon appeal, said Glasgow, who said his client was not receiving appropriate treatment.
Liltz, 56, was originally charged with first-degree murder but was convicted of involuntary manslaughter after prosecutors amended the charge. During a hearing before Cook County Judge Joel Greenblatt in May, Liltz testified she awoke early on the morning of May 27, 2015, violently ill and believing she was near death. Liltz fed herself and her daughter an overdose of prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Greenblatt sentenced Liltz to four years in prison. Liltz must complete at least 50 percent of the sentence before she is eligible for parole.
"Life is precious," said Greenblatt said during sentencing. "Even a life that is disabled. Even a life that is profoundly disabled."