Rockford, Illinois – A 27-year-old man has been charged in connection with the death of a 7-month-old infant in Rockford, according to police.
According to the Rockford Police Department, officers responded Sunday morning around 8:00 a.m. to a residence in the 2400 block of Rose Avenue for a report of an unresponsive infant. The child was taken to a local hospital, where the infant was pronounced dead.
Authorities said an autopsy conducted by the Winnebago County Coroner’s Office determined the preliminary cause of death to be blunt force trauma. Detectives launched an investigation and identified a suspect as Jaden Hearns, who was reportedly known to the victim.
Police said Hearns was taken into custody and lodged in the Winnebago County Jail. Following a review of the case, the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office authorized multiple charges.
Hearns is charged with first-degree murder, aggravated domestic battery, and aggravated battery to a child. According to police, all charges are allegations, and the suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Officials have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the infant’s death.
The Rockford Police Department said the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact authorities or submit an anonymous tip through local crime reporting channels.
