Illinois Mom Pleads Not Guilty in Disabled Daughter’s Death

A Schaumburg woman has pleaded not guilty to killing her disabled daughter in a botched murder-suicide attempt.

The (Arlington Heights) Daily Herald reports 55-year-old Bonnie Liltz is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter Courtney, who suffered from cerebral palsy. Authorities accuse Liltz of giving the 28-year-old various medications in May and then taking some herself so they would both overdose.

Liltz is suffering from cancer. She recovered, but Courtney died June 5.

Liltz wrote in a suicide note that she worried about what would happen to Courtney if Liltz died first.

Her attorney, Thomas Glasgow, has said Liltz has received an outpouring of sympathy. He says the case highlights dwindling funding to help families caring for disabled children.

Liltz is next in court Aug. 6.