Two Cowden residents have been arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery to a Child after a 12-day-old infant with unexplained injuries was brought to St. Anthony’s Hospital in Effingham. Illinois State Police Zone 5 Investigations joined the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office early in November and determined that the infant’s injuries were consistent with abuse and the Department of Children and Family Services was contacted to assist with the investigation.
On November 9, 2016, Zone 5 agents arrested the child’s mother and father, 20-year-old Kayla N. Girard and 19-year-old Devan B. M. Porter, both of Cowden, on Shelby County Warrants for Aggravated Battery to a Child. Both have been incarcerated in the Shelby County Jail with bond set at $100,000, 10% applies.