Autopsy: Drugs killed pair in Elgin

An accidental drug overdose caused the deaths of a man and woman found in an Elgin apartment late last year, a Kane County coroner's jury ruled Wednesday.

Roberta L. Brunke, 47, and Eric W. Grata, 30, were found on Nov. 28, 2007, inside an apartment on the 1500 block of Mildred Avenue.

Lab tests showed both died from the effects of opiate intoxication. Other drugs also were found in their systems, according to testimony at an inquest into the deaths.

Brunke, who lived in the apartment, was found lying on a sleeper sofa in the living room. Grata, of Glendale Heights, was slumped over nearby, Elgin police Detective Brian Gorcowski testified.

Gorcowski said the small, cluttered apartment was not broken into and there were no signs of a struggle.

Grata also had a bag in his sock with several pieces of tinfoil containing what police suspected was heroin. Rolled up dollar bills also were found at the scene, he said.

Coroner Chuck West said Grata apparently died several hours before Brunke.

Grata's father, Lester, said his son struggled with drugs for years and was turning his life around before he died.