Peoria Standard

Today, Michael L. Vorrath, 68, received a 45-year sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the murder of his wife, Nancy Vorrath, 60. The incident occurred on November 19, 2019, when officers responded to a call from the defendant in Peoria, who claimed his wife had committed suicide. However, evidence and an autopsy revealed that Mrs. Vorrath was murdered by drowning. She had injuries consistent with being held underwater. A jury found Mr. Vorrath guilty on August 14.

During the sentencing hearing, Mrs. Vorrath’s children shared how their lives were profoundly affected by their mother's murder and their father's refusal to admit guilt. They described losing both parents due to this tragedy and spoke about family divisions and personal struggles following the incident.

Assistant State’s Attorney Dave Gast argued for a harsh sentence due to the nature of the crime: “a hands-on crime” where Mr. Vorrath submerged Mrs. Vorrath in a sink until she drowned.

Mr. Vorrath is required to serve his entire sentence without parole.