Report: Statements made to friends of woman can be used in 2000 murder trial

A Cook County judge has ruled that statements made by a woman who was killed in South Barrington 18 years ago can be admitted as evidence at trial, the Chicago Tribune is reporting.

In a hearing Wednesday, a Cook County judge ruled three witnesses could testify about private statements Cynthia Hrisco made to her friends about her husband prior to her death, the Tribune reports.

Frank Buschauer is charged with murder in February 2000 drowning death of Hrisco in their South Barrington home, the Tribune reports. The 69-year-old remains free on $2 million bond,

Authorities said Buschauer killed his wife in a rage after a dispute over construction problems in their home.

Hrisco was found dead in the master bathroom of the South Barrington home.

Buschauer told police he found her unresponsive in the hot tub of the home.

Prosecutors say that Buschauer held Hrisco forcibly underwater in the tub, killing her.