November 23, 2019 about 1:00 P.M. Officers responded to a 911 call at 3352 W. Lexington Court in Peoria, Illinois where Michael Vorrath allegedly found his wife Nancy face down and unresponsive in a utility basin sink full of water. Michael reportedly told police that he tried to save her but couldn’t, then called 911. Nancy was pronounced dead at 2:07 P.M.
Nancy’s death was initially reported as a suicide investigation and soon turned in to a homicide investigation. The autopsy showed that Nancy Vorrath died from drowning and suffered multiple significant blunt force injuries consistent with inflicted trauma.
COURT INFORMATION Michael was arrested December 13, 2019 and charged with First Degree Murder.
A $1 Million Bond was set (10% required for release). Michael has pleaded not guilty. He is facing up to one hundred years in prison if he is found guilty. Michael posted bond February 10, 2020 and has pushed the case in to two full years as of now.
As of August 2022 the courts continue with delays.
The Jury Trial is now set (once again) for October 24, 2022 at 9:00 A.M.
We will continue to update.
OBITUARY PEORIA - Nancy A. Vorrath, age 60, of Peoria passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2019, at her residence in Peoria. Nancy was born on July 13, 1959, in Des Moines, IA, a daughter of Harold R. and Mary (Wadle) Buckalew. She married Michael L. Vorrath on July 16, 1977, in Des Moines. He survives. Nancy is also survived by their four children, Kristin (Dewey) Richardson of Milwaukee, WI, Ron Vorrath of Washington, IL, Nick (Chandra) Vorrath of Severance, CO, and Alex Vorrath of Fort Collins, CO; six grandchildren, Ryder, Warren and Silas Richardson, Tyson Vorrath and Layla and Finley Vorrath; as well as two sisters, Jeanne (Jim) Kelley and Kathy (Jerry) Overman, both of Des Moines, IA; one brother, Doyle (Jeanette) Buckalew of Alleman, IA; and several nieces and nephews. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and daughter-in-law, Beth Vorrath. Nancy worked at EPIC for many years. She loved to swim, read, camp, hike and, mostly, spend time with her kids and grand kids. She was perfect for her career, working with developmentally and physically challenged individuals as the Direct Support Professional at EPIC in Peoria. Nancy was a friend of Bill's. She was the sort of person that would help anyone; she was very kind and selfless. Nancy will be greatly missed by her community, work, church, friends and, mostly, by her family. Cremation rites have been accorded.