Peoria, IL – A Peoria man is behind bars without bond following a grand jury indictment tied to the severe injuries of a 2-month-old infant who was rushed to the hospital in critical condition late last year.
According to the Peoria Police Department, officers were dispatched Friday, December 12, 2025, around 5:08 p.m. to a local hospital after a 2-month-old baby arrived via private vehicle in need of emergency medical care. Medical staff determined the infant had suffered severe head trauma, and the child’s condition was considered critical at the time.
Police said medical professionals advised detectives that the baby’s injuries did not appear accidental, prompting a criminal investigation. Investigators worked closely with healthcare specialists and conducted multiple interviews with individuals who had contact with the infant prior to the injuries. Authorities said no explanation provided was consistent with the medical findings.
Further medical examinations revealed the infant suffered multiple fractures, major head trauma, bleeding in the brain, and retinal hemorrhaging, according to police.
As the investigation progressed, detectives obtained and executed several search warrants. On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the lead detective testified before the Peoria County Grand Jury. A bill of indictment was issued for Jaravion T. Nichols, 20, on a charge of Aggravated Battery to a Child.
Police said a Peoria County warrant was authorized following the indictment. Nichols was located and taken into custody around 4 p.m. in the 2000 block of Northeast Jefferson Avenue without incident. He was transported to the Peoria Police Department for questioning and later booked into the Peoria County Jail.
Nichols is being held on the charge of Aggravated Battery to a Child, a Class X felony, with no bond. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information related to violent crimes is encouraged to contact the Peoria Police Department at (309) 673-4521, submit tips anonymously via Crime Stoppers at (309) 673-9000, or use tip411.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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