Twin Lakes woman accused in overdose death of Salem man

Cooper, 30, posted bond

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

A 30-year-old Twin Lakes woman was charged in relation to a July 18 heroin overdose death of a Town of Salem man, according to a Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department news release.

Elizabeth Cooper, who posted a $5,000 cash bond at her initial court appearance last week, faces charges of first degree reckless homicide, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of heroin.

Elizabeth Cooper
Elizabeth Cooper

If convicted, Cooper could face up to 40 years in prison on the reckless homicide charge, according to a criminal complaint.

According to state statute, authorities can issue reckless homicide charges on a suspect when they deliver a controlled substance that leads to the death of another person.

In a sheriff’s department news release, authorities launched an investigation when Christopher Stachura was found dead in his garage in the 11500 block of 277th Avenue. Evidence suggested a heroin overdose.

When authorities arrived to the Salem property, they discovered Stachura lying face down on the garage floor, where the Kenosha Medical Examiner’s Office pronounced him dead, the complaint stated.

From there, Stachura underwent an autopsy by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office, which revealed he died of acute drug intoxication in a report released Sept. 15, the complaint noted.

“It was determined based on physical evidence on the scene and mobile phone records that Stachura received the heroin from 30-year-old Village of Twin Lakes resident Elizabeth M. Cooper,” the news release stated.

Stachura’s phone records indicate he had contacted a woman named “Beth” the night before authorities found him, the complaint contends.

Authorities, the complaint alleges, determined “Beth” as Cooper.

Two days after the release of the autopsy, authorities reportedly found her at work, where she was taken into custody.

The complaint contends Cooper had a black purse containing drug paraphernalia and heroin, therefore adding the charge of possession of narcotic drugs and drug paraphernalia.

When detectives interviewed Cooper, she allegedly admitted to providing Stachura with heroin, according to a news release.

While Cooper allegedly admitted being present while Stachura used 0.25 grams, and later left the property with the other 0.25 grams, she stated “she would not have left him alone if she thought he was in danger.”

“The defendant stated that she didn’t think that the amount of heroin she gave him would have caused his death,” the complaint alleges.

Cooper attended a preliminary hearing in Kenosha County Intake Court Tuesday.


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