A judge found a 48-year-old man not guilty by reason of insanity on murder charges for stabbing his elderly parents to death inside their apartment in Highland Park.
Barry M. Goldberg, 48, of Highland Park, was charged in September 2022 with six counts of first-degree murder.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Lillian Lewis said during an initial court hearing that officers received 911 calls for yelling and threats being made at an apartment.
Emergency personnel arrived around 10:15 a.m. on September 7 and noticed blood under the door of the apartment at 1850 Green Bay Road, Highland Park Communications Manager Amanda Civitello said.
Officers knocked on the door and heard someone yell “don’t shoot,” Lewis said.
Officers forced entry and found Ronald Goldberg and Renee Goldberg lying in a pool of blood with a large knife next to them.
An autopsy showed Ronald Goldberg, 79, and Renee Goldberg, 74, both of Highland Park, died as a result of multiple sharp force injuries, according to Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek.
Barry Goldberg, who was near the door of the apartment, was taken into custody by officers.
Barry Goldberg was reportedly covered in blood and blood was also found splattered on the walls near the victims, Lewis said.
Officers learned the victims were Barry Goldberg’s parents. The man admitted to killing his mother, Lewis said.
Court records show the three Goldbergs resided at the apartment building where the murders happened.
Records also show the apartment complex filed an eviction in Lake County Circuit Court against them in July 2022.
One of the couple’s sons, Neil Goldberg, said in a statement that his brother struggled with mental illness over the past four years.
“He was living with my parents, who invested all their time, energy, and resources in attempting to get him the proper help. Tragically, they were never successful in finding the help he needed,” Neil Goldberg said.
“Thank you for the outpouring of support from all our friends, family, and the community. All the texts, calls, and IMs letting us know we are in your thoughts or prayers means so much to my family,” Neil Goldberg said in the statement.
Joshua Black, a family friend, said everyone was “stunned and saddened” by what happened.
“But, if you had the privilege of meeting Ron and Renée, you can’t forget their kindness, infectious smiles, love of family and their unwavering support of those they loved,” Black said.
“Ron and Renée’s kindness lives on with Neil and his family. They are woven into the fabric of the community, bringing joy through their bakery and smiles at farmers’ markets, community events, school fundraisers and more,” Black added.
Barry Goldberg has been held in the Lake County Jail on a $5 million bond and prosecutors later filed a petition to detain him without bond.
Lake County Judge George Strickland found him not guilty by reason of insanity during a stipulated bench trial last month.
The ruling means Goldberg was not criminally responsible for his conduct due to a lack of substantial capacity to appreciate the criminality of his actions.
Goldberg will now be evaluated by the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS), which will determine the appropriate placement for him.
“Our office has been in constant communication with the family throughout this case and will continue to support them. We hope that the resolution of this matter offers some healing in their journey,” the state’s attorney’s office said following the ruling.