Watseka, Illinois – A 22-year-old man is now facing first-degree murder charges after authorities say a one-month-old child died following a medical emergency earlier this month.
According to the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Office, Jason L. Ruiz of Watseka has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated battery in connection with the death of his son, Jace. Emergency crews were dispatched around April 10 to a home along North Blue Bell Bend Road in rural Watseka for a report of an infant not breathing.
First responders transported the child to Iroquois Memorial Hospital before he was later transferred to Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. The infant was pronounced dead on Tuesday.
Investigators say Ruiz was taken into custody in Chicago on Wednesday with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force. Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the child’s injuries.
The case remains under active investigation, and officials say no further information will be released at this time out of respect for the ongoing legal process and the family involved.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Office as the investigation continues.
