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Barrington man accused of killing wife allowed to remain with son for now

A Barrington man accused of killing his wife after an argument over a coffee maker will stay with his son for one day while a judge determines whether he should be hooked up to an electronic home monitoring device.

Larry Lotz, 65, appeared in front of Judge Daniel Shanes on Tuesday after his release from an undisclosed hospital Monday and asked that he be allowed to permanently live with his son while out on bail. Attorneys did not release the location of the son's home.

Through his attorney, Lotz asked that he be allowed to continue treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder with counselors. He also asked that he not be attached to an electronic home monitoring device, which could hinder his treatment.

"I have no desire to go anywhere other than my son's home," Lotz told Shanes in court.

Attorney Greg Nikitas said the electronic home monitoring device could affect his treatment because it cannot be worn when Lotz receives certain medical and psychological tests.

Assistant State's Attorney Lauren Kalcheim Rothenberg has repeatedly requested that Lotz be fitted with an electronic home monitoring device while out on $3 million bail.

Shanes requested attorneys answer specific questions regarding the home monitoring device, then return to court Wednesday.

In the interim, Lotz is on a 24-hour curfew and is not allowed to possess any guns or use illegal drugs or alcohol.

Lotz faces three counts of first-degree murder on allegations he fatally shot his 59-year-old wife, Karen, in the couple's house Jan. 15.

Authorities say Lotz and his wife argued that day over his leaving on a 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.

Defense attorneys previously said Lotz - a Vietnam veteran - requires treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Lotz's trial is set for Aug. 22.

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