Doctor testifies neglect played role in elderly Geneva woman's death

Bedsores, dehydration and malnutrition all "significantly contributed" to the death of an 84-year-old Geneva woman whose daughters are on trial for neglect, a forensic pathologist testified Monday.

Dr. Brian Mitchell, a physician for the Kane County coroner's office, took the stand as a state witness in the bench trial of Jill and Julie Barry, who are charged with criminal neglect in the April 2007 death of their mother, Mary Virginia Barry.

Mitchell, who performed the elderly woman's autopsy, said that while her death was caused by complications from pneumonia and cancer, it appeared her malnourished and dehydrated body, which was covered with bedsores, had been in need of medical care for several weeks before her death. He said the lack of treatment left her particularly vulnerable to infection and unable to fight off disease.

"Without that proper care, she's being neglected," said Mitchell, who described Mary Virginia Barry as "wasting away."

Jill and Julie Barry, ages 55 and 48, sought emergency medical treatment for their mother on April 20, 2007, just seven days before her death at Delnor Hospital in Geneva.

According to witness testimony, the elderly woman was emaciated, unable to communicate and lying on urine-soaked sheets in the family home on the 400 block of Peyton Street by the time authorities were called.

Also taking the stand Monday was emergency room physician Dr. Arthur Proust, who said the elderly woman's hands were caked with feces, and an ant was crawling on her.

On cross examinations, defense attorney Gary Johnson questioned witnesses extensively about the amount of time it might have taken for Mary Virginia Barry's ailments to develop.

Several witnesses also said the sisters were cooperative in the subsequent investigation, and that they appeared to be worried for their mother's health.

The trial resumes May 29 with the defense.