The Jefferson County Attorney has decided to charge a Libertyville teenager as a juvenile — not an adult — in a child endangerment case.
According to court records, the 15-year-old gave birth last month to a child in her room and then wrapped the infant in a towel before placing it in a clothes basket in a closet. The child was later found dead.
Pat McAvan, Jefferson County Assistant Attorney, says as a youthful offender, the defendant can take advantage of services offered by the state for educational instruction and mental health in efforts to rehabilitate offenders then at the age of 18, a judge could render jail time.
A motion was filed to close from public view the court hearings. That hearing is scheduled for December 11. The girl remains in detention participating in comprehensive mental health assessments.
