Dad arrested in drowning murder of 19-month-old son; child had been "visiting" with dad (Romeoville, Illinois)

The 19-month-old son was "visiting" dad when he was drowned and killed. Dad CHIDI ESI has been arrested in the incident, which has been classified as a homicide. Wonder if visitation was something that Mom had wanted to do--or was ordered by a court to do.

http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/bolingbrooksun/news/1816783,4_1_JO10_ARREST_S1-091010.article

$400,000 bond set for dad in drowning

October 11, 2009
Sun-Times News Group

JOLIET -- Bond was set at $400,000 for a father accused of drowning his 19-month-old son Friday in Romeoville, authorities said.

Chidi Esi, 28, of Romeoville, was arrested after Romeoville police responded about 9:30 a.m. Friday to a report of a baby not breathing at a home in the 200 block of Stamford Lane, according to a police release.

Nathan Esi was pronounced dead at Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital at 10:28 a.m., according to the Will County Coroner's office.

Lockport Township Fire Department officials attempted to revive Nathan before taking him to the hospital, according to the release.

Preliminary autopsy results released Saturday determined Nathan died from drowning, and his death is being classified as a homicide, according to the coroner's office.

The baby lived with his mother in Melrose Park and was visiting his father in Romeoville when he was killed, authorities said.

Chidi Esi was being held in the Will County Jail on $400,000 bond, according to the Will County Jail's Web site. He is scheduled to be back in court for a preliminary hearing Oct. 13.

The Department of Children and Family Services is investigating an allegation of death by abuse, according to department spokesman Kendall Marlowe. DCFS has had no prior contact with Chidi Esi, he said.

Romeoville police are investigating.