A quiet Plainfield-area block is at the center of a homicide investigation after the Cook County medical examiner ruled that 2-month-old Maverick Rowe died from injuries caused by an assault.
The infant was found with multiple critical injuries at a home in unincorporated Will County, then flown to Comer Children's Hospital in Chicago, where he was later pronounced dead.
Where and when officials say it happened
Will County deputies were called about 5:53 p.m. Sunday to a home in the 14100 block of South Lehigh Drive to assist the Lockport Township Fire Department, according to The Herald-News. Deputies arrived as paramedics rushed the baby to an ambulance. He was airlifted in critical condition to Comer Children’s Hospital and pronounced dead at 9:15 p.m. on April 28, the outlet reported.
The residence uses a Plainfield mailing address but sits in unincorporated Will County, the sheriff’s office told reporters.
Medical examiner cites ‘multiple injuries’ from assault
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office listed Maverick Rowe’s cause of death as “multiple injuries” from an assault and ruled the manner of death a homicide, according to ABC7 Chicago. Officials said an autopsy is pending.
Investigators and child-welfare agencies on the case
The Will County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation and coordinating with the Department of Children and Family Services, Comer Children’s Hospital and the medical examiner, a spokeswoman told Patch.
“We are thoroughly investigating this criminal matter, but no charges have been filed,” spokeswoman Elizabeth Matthews said. She added that final results from the medical examiner “should take several weeks.”
How experts frame infant homicides
National surveillance data show that infants face higher homicide rates than older children and that many of these deaths are tied to abuse or neglect, a pattern public health researchers say calls for strong prevention efforts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s review of violent deaths points to strategies such as strengthening economic supports for families and expanding early childhood services to reduce risk, according to its analysis.
What happens next
Investigators have not released any suspect information and say the case remains active. Officials have urged patience while forensic testing and medical reviews move forward, according to The Herald-News.
The Cook County medical examiner’s final report and any potential criminal findings could take weeks as law enforcement and child-welfare partners complete their reviews.
