Widow Faces Abuse Charges in Elder Husband's Death (USA)

Widow faces abuse charges in elder husband's death

February 20, 2011

By SARAH BURGE
The Press-Enterprise

A 45-year-old woman who married a much older Temecula man has been charged with 17 felonies, including grand theft and elder abuse, after investigators say she drained her husband's bank accounts, took out a fraudulent life insurance policy on him and tormented him till his death last summer at the age of 74.

Authorities estimate that Shawna Verdugo stole and was given $500,000 belonging to her husband, Johannes "John" Holzel, court records say. Verdugo, of Oceanside, has pleaded not guilty. A hearing to determine whether there is enough evidence for her to stand trial was scheduled for April during a Friday hearing at the Southwest Justice Center in French Valley.

Abridged
SOURCE:       The Press-Enterprise
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