Bartlett man pleads guilty to second-degree murder in death of wife
A Bartlett man who told police he strangled his wife of more than 30 years because she wouldn't stop "nagging him" about not returning to work soon enough after having a heart attack has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
Carlo Madonia, 60, of the 200 block of Lido Trail, has been held in DuPage County jail on $3 million bail since the May 31, 2017, slaying of Nancy Madonia.
Prosecutors said the victim's son called 911 around 10:25 a.m. on that day after finding his father bleeding in the kitchen and his mother dead in the upstairs master bathroom. When police arrived, they said, Carlo Madonia was still in the kitchen with blood on his hands.
Prosecutors said Madonia's children told police their father "had not been himself" since surviving a heart attack just before Easter that year, and they had been watching to make sure he took his medicine.
"Nearly two years ago, an argument between (Madonia) and his wife Nancy took a tragic turn resulting in Carlo Madonia strangling Nancy," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a written statement. "This is an extremely sad case and it is my hope that Nancy's surviving family and friends may begin to find some measure of closure knowing that the man responsible for her death has taken responsibility."
On the morning of the murder, prosecutors said, Carlo Madonia was showering and getting ready for work when he and Nancy began arguing.
They said Madonia pushed his wife to the floor and then wrapped his hands around her neck as she struggled.
At the time of his arrest, Carlo Madonia had scratch wounds over his face and body and a bite mark on his pinkie finger.
After killing his wife, Madonia attempted to hang himself with a belt from a bathrobe, but he later told police he "just couldn't do it."
Madonia, who had no criminal history, now is facing four to 20 years in prison or probation.
His next court appearance is scheduled for June 4 for return of the pre-sentence report. His sentencing is scheduled for June 19.