Elderly Crystal Couple Remembered After “Horrific” Robbery
A robbery in Crystal is now a homicide investigation. The robbery happened Dec. 2 at a home in the 4100 block of Colorado Avenue North. Police say two men entered the home of 99-year-old John Gosche and his wife, Geraldine. The men didn’t use weapons, but they demanded money and forced the 99-year-old John Gosche through the house until they found what they were looking for.
“They pushed the elderly couple around some, including dragging the male resident,” says Crystal Deputy Police Chief Brian Hubbard.
In the ordeal, John Gosche suffered a cut on his arm. He was treated for his injuries, but had to return back to the hospital several days later, where he later died from an infection.
“The injuries that the resident sustained happened during the course of the robbery, and the medical examiner has ruled this death a homicide,” explained Hubbard.
About a week after her husband’s death, Geraldine Gosche also passed away. The death was determined to be of natural causes.
Neighbors React to Death of Elderly Couple
The news hit hard for people who knew the couple well.
“I was really shocked,” said Dr. William Leon, a dentist who purchased the business that sits right next door to John and Geraldine Gosche’s house.
“I called them grandpa and grandma,” Leon said. “He was a nice guy, practiced dentistry here for more than 54 years.”
Leon spoke with Geraldine after the crime happened.
“Grandma told me the guys entered, wake up him. and they were trying to force his arm, and say, where is the money, where is the money?”
But Leon says John Gosche didn’t hear those commands because he was deaf. Sadly, Geraldine Gosche died shortly after her husband.
“I think this dramatic moment to her was like shocking. He was everything for her,” said Leon.
Police say they don’t have a description of the two men. But they don’t think the crime was random and the robbers may have known the Gosches somehow. If you have any information on the crime, give Crystal police a call.
“Any information that the public would have or things that they’ve heard, things that they have seen on social media. Any little hints would be helpful for us because we pretty vigorously would like to solve this case on behalf of the family,” said Hubbard.
