Husband Leaves Loaded Gun Accessible to Suicidal Wife;
She Dies by Suicide
by Kevin Caruso
In October of 1991, Joan Bartush, 32, of Norwalk, Connecticut, was hospitalized for a suicide attempt.
When she was released, she was brought home by her husband, Steven, 36.
Steven Bartush was told by both doctors and family members that Joan was still at a
high risk for suicide and that he needed to remove all weapons from the home immediately.
Steven reassured everyone that he would remove the weapons without delay.
Unbelievably, Steven did not remove any weapons -- this irresponsible idiot
left a loaded gun in the bedroom of his suicidal wife.
Not surprisingly, two days later, Joan used the gun to kill herself.
The couple's 16-month-old daughter witnessed the suicide.
It is outrageous that this criminal would leave a loaded gun accessible to his suicidal wife,
especially after he was told by several people to ensure that the gun, and all other weapons, needed to be removed.
There is no excuse for this type of criminal behavior.
And I emphasize the word "criminal."
This stupid, reckless ,irresponsible loser was charged with second-degree manslaughter, but,
shockingly, the prosecutor in the case
offered him a plea bargain in which he would serve no prison time.
Steven was given a 6-year suspended sentence and 5 years of probation.
Joan was victimized for a second time, this time by the justice system.
Steven should be in prison. Period.
Indeed, if the prosecutor did not offer him the plea bargain, this criminal could
have received up to 10 years in prison.
Police reports also indicated that the following disturbing statements were made by this disgusting
criminal:
"I will not spend one penny on Joan [for a psychiatrist] because she is far below
our daughter's education as a priority," he said to Joan's father.
"She should just overdose on pills or mix peroxide and makeup together," he said to
Joan's sister.
"[Our daughter] is young enough that she won't remember her and I'll find her a new mother in
two years," he said to his brother, Kevin.
These outrageous statements not only indicate that he did not care for his wife, but also that
he wanted her to kill herself.
The prosecutor said, "He didn't heed the warning and left a firearm in the dresser.
[This] reckless behavior caused the death of his wife."
But then the prosecutor offered him a plea bargain with no prison time.
Unbelievable and disgraceful.
If you or someone you know is suicidal, please go to the Home Page of this website for immediate help.
Thank you.
I love you.
Take care,
Kevin Caruso
