A DeKalb man is facing a murder charge after a five-month-old baby died from catastrophic head injuries, according to police. The infant was rushed to a local emergency room, then flown to a trauma center in Maywood, where doctors told investigators the child was unlikely to survive. Authorities have identified the suspect as 30-year-old Dominic G. Larson and say prosecutors have signed off on multiple felony counts.
Investigators say Larson brought the infant to Northwestern Kishwaukee Community Hospital on Monday afternoon with severe facial injuries. Medical staff arranged for the child to be airlifted to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood for specialized care. Doctors there found a fractured skull and brain hemorrhages, placed the baby on life support and later pronounced the child dead on Tuesday at about 5:45 p.m. These details were reported by ABC7 Chicago.
According to deputies with the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, hospital staff reported that Larson appeared to be intoxicated. When he allegedly tried to leave, he was restrained, handcuffed and taken to the DeKalb Police Department for questioning. Court records show prosecutors have filed a petition to deny Larson pretrial release, and public records indicate he pleaded guilty in 2020 to aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child in Lee County and remains listed on the state sex-offender registry. These details were reported by WIFR.
Charges and next steps
The DeKalb County State's Attorney has approved charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery, reckless conduct and endangering the life and health of a child against Larson. Prosecutors have formally filed those counts, and Larson is currently in custody while detectives continue to collect evidence and interview witnesses.
Police characterized the child's death as a "horrific and senseless crime," reflecting the severity of the injuries and the shock within the community, according to ABC7 Chicago.
Legal context
Under Illinois law, a conviction for first-degree murder typically carries a prison sentence of 20 to 60 years, with the possibility of longer extended terms or a natural-life sentence when certain aggravating factors are present. Those sentencing ranges are laid out in state statute 730 ILCS 5/5-4.5-20, per the Illinois General Assembly. As in all criminal cases, Larson is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court.
Investigation continues
Authorities have released few additional details as the case moves through the early stages of the criminal process. It is not yet clear when Larson will next appear before a judge, but his case status and the petition to deny pretrial release have been filed in court, according to WIFR. DeKalb police say the investigation remains active as they work to piece together what led up to the infant's fatal injuries.
