Charges Upgraded To Murder In 94-Year-Old Mom's Death
GARY, Ind. (STMW) - Murder charges were filed in Lake (Ind.) Superior Court against a Calumet Township man already charged in the death of his 94-year-old mother.
The upgraded charges were filed against George Knezevic, 59, of the 4700 block of Buchanan Street, who authorities said beat, choked and struck Ljubica Knezevic with a shoe on Oct. 13 as she sat in a chair outside the family home.
Knezevic continued to attack her, court records state.
Knezevic went inside and returned a short time later with a flashlight, which he shined on three men sitting in a car next to the Knezevic home, according to authorities. Knezevic is accused of pointing a gun at one of the men and firing a shot into the air.
Police noted the woman had a bruise on her forehead, bruises on the left side along her ribs and numerous bruises on her arms and legs. She wasn't able to speak to police initially, but the following day told police "George" injured her.
The home was described as being in deplorable condition with paths carved through the clutter and debris.
Ljubica Knezevic died at Methodist Hospitals Southlake Campus on Saturday.
Knezevic initially was charged with eight felonies, including neglect of a dependent, battery and pointing a firearm. He now faces from 45 to 65 years in prison if convicted of murder.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2010. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
