Invasion death is ruled a homicide
2/10/2009The death of an elderly woman assaulted during a burglary in her North Toledo home Friday has been ruled a homicide, authorities said.
Cecelia Sobecki, 83, of 567 Austin St., died about 11 a.m. Sunday in St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center. Dr. James Patrick, Lucas County coroner, said Ms. Sobecki died of multisystem organ failure caused by complications from trauma during the assault.
Ms. Sobecki, who suffered a fractured hip and wrist in the attack, had a pre-existing heart condition, Dr. Patrick said.
Ms. Sobecki told police she was watching television about 10:50 p.m. Friday and heard a loud bang on her back door. Before she was able to get to the door, a large woman forced her way inside, a report said.
According to the police report, Ms. Sobecki did not know the intruder and told her she was an invalid. The assailant apparently told Ms. Sobecki she knew of her condition, a report said.
Sgt. Phil Toney said yesterday that police are unsure of any type of relationship between the suspect and victim.
The woman demanded money, and when Ms. Sobecki refused, she was pushed to the floor twice, police said. The suspect also ripped the phone from the wall.
The woman, whom police have not identified, stole $700, two checkbooks, a bottle of Vicodin painkiller, and Ms. Sobecki's identification card, a report said. Ms. Sobecki was able to get herself into a chair in the living room, where she remained until family members found her about 11 a.m. Saturday, police said.