Brother Charged After Disabled Man Dies From Neglect: Montco DA

Norristown PA

15 April, 2021

11:59 AM

Description

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — An Abington Township man is behind bars after police said his criminal neglect led to the death of his disabled brother. Harry Gramlich, 71, faces third degree murder and related charges in the death of his brother, 52-year-old Timothy Gramlich, who had Down syndrome. Harry called police back on Oct. 18, 2020. Timothy Gramlich was found dead in the second floor bedroom of their home on the 200 block of Edge Hill Road, which the brothers shared with their sister. The body was wrapped in an article of clothing and was severely emaciated, police said, noting that Timothy weighed only 76 pounds at the time of his death. Moreover, the room was stained with bodily fluids and feces, and the odor of urine and feces was "profound," according to authorities. Harry Gramlich told police that he had last seen his brother alive the week before, on Oct. 17, when he had brought him food, the District Attorney's Office said. An autopsy indicated that Timothy Gramlich died from urosepsis, an infection of the urinary tract, which authorities said could have been prevented with routine medical evaluations. Harry Gramlich, who was Timothy's sole caretaker, was also charged with neglect of care dependent person and involuntary manslaughter. Harry Gramlich posted $100,000 bail and was released. A preliminary hearing is set for April 28.