"While the cause of death has yet to be determined, Mr. Kotopka was being treated for a chronic medical condition," according to a news release from the jail.
The immediate cause of Carly Schaaf s death was asphyxia due to smothering combined with a narcotics overdose, according to her death certificate, obtained by the Journal Star.
Nebraska man charged in fatal shooting of wife of 57 years
July 1, 2021
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This undated photo provided by the Lancaster County, Nebraska, jail shows John Kotopka. Kotopka, an 80-year-old Nebraska man who told police he shot his wife, who had Alzheimer s disease, because he was struggling to care for her is now facing murder charges. Prosecutors upgraded the charges against Kotopka to first-degree murder Wednesday, June 30, 2021, following last week s death of 78-year-old Janet Kotopka. (Lancaster County, Nebraska, jail via AP)AP
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) An 80-year-old Nebraska man has been charged with murder after telling police he shot his wife, who had Alzheimer s disease, because he was struggling to care for her.