Suspect in Minocqua hospital incident dies at Wausau hospital

Jillian Buza
Jillian Buza

WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) -- An Eagle River woman suspected of holding staff at the Marshfield Clinic in Minocqua hostage and threatening them with various weapons has died.

According to a news release from the Oneida County Sheriff's office, 39-year-old Jillian Buza was pronounced dead just before noon on Wednesday. She was being treated for undisclosed health conditions at a Wausau-area hospital while also being held at the Oneida County Jail.

Back in June Buza and an accomplice, 70-year-old Joseph Buza, were accused of making threatening statements to a member of the staff at the Minocqua hospital and holding her against her will. Police say the couple was wielding weapons such as a hatchet and a meat tenderizer.

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During the investigation, a loaded firearm and additional ammunition were found in a bag belonging to the suspects. Officials say painkiller withdrawal may have led to the incident.

Officials say it appears Jillian Buza died of natural causes, and that she had been in and out of the hospital on several occasions while jailed. No further information has been released.

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