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Illinois Man Accused Of Closing Hot Tub Lid On Drunk Wife, Leaving Her To Die
Home security video reportedly shows Eric and Laura Huska drinking in the hot tub for some time before the 57-year-old victim unsuccessfully tried to get out.
A suburban Chicago man has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the hot tub drowning death of his wife.
Eric Huska of Wheeling, Illinois is accused of closing the lid of a backyard hot tub, causing the death of Laura Huska late last Saturday.
According to Wheeling police, home security video shows the couple drinking in the hot tub for some time before the 57-year-old victim unsuccessfully tried to get out. It also shows the 57-year-old Eric Huska initially trying to help his wife, but then partially closing the tub's lid.
Deputy Chief Todd Wolff says the wife is seen in the video struggling against the cover. Eric Huska returns to the tub about 90 minutes later, opens the lid, and finds his wife floating in the water.
“She wasn’t in any condition to get out on her own, and she would’ve had to lift the lid to get out,” Wolff said, according to CBS Chicago. “Initially he closed it down on top her head — she couldn’t get out.”
Wolff added that he didn’t know the reason why Eric Huska allegedly put the cover over her head.
"We are sure alcohol was a major factor," Wolff said, according to the Daily Herald in Chicago.
The death was ruled a homicide by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, according to a press release from the Wheeling police.
Huska appeared in court Tuesday, when a judge set bail at $10,000. It was not immediately known if he has legal representation.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
