CLAY COUNTY, IL -(Effingham Radio)- A Clay County man is facing murder charges following the death of a 2 year old child in clay city.
According to details released by police earlier today, on April 22 at approximately 3:47 am, police responded to a medical call for a child.
While on scene deputies with the clay county sheriff’s office began to investigate and requested assistance from the child death investigative task force.
Following the call the child did not survive, and passed away on April 24 after succumbing to their injuries.
On April 27 clay county state attorney, Joel Powless filed charges against 22 year old Alexander j beal and charged him with aggravated battery to a child, and first degree murder.
Beal is currently awaiting his first hearing, and does not have a bond set.
Powless was contacted for further details behind the investigation, however there was not an immediate response.
We will continue to update this story as it develops
UPDATE (3:51 p.m.): In the latest update the bond has been set for $1 million dollars.
In a brief interview with Powells, he stated that while the name of the child will not be released he did confirm it was a 2 year old girl.
Powells added that Beal will be appearing with council on May 16, at 9 a.m..
The Child Death Investigative Task Force is made up of personnel from several law enforcement agencies specializing in the investigation of child deaths. Agencies assisting in this investigation include Illinois State Police, Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services, Flora Police Department, Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, Salem Police Department and the Vandalia Police Department