Dad found guilty of 1st-degree murder in death of 5-month-old daughter (Aurora, Illinois)

Dad JOEL CHAVEZ has been found guilty of 1st-degree murder in the beating death of his 5-month-old daughter. Evidence of healing injuries suggest this wasn't the first time Daddy had abused her either. Seems Daddy got frustrated because the baby "wouldn't take her bottle or stop crying."

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-03-28/news/ct-met-chavez-guilty-0329-20110328_1_abuse-injuries-aurora-father-traumatic-brain-injury

Aurora father guilty of daughter's murderHis 5-month-old daughter was fatally injured after she wouldn't take a bottle or stop crying, prosecutors said
March 28, 2011|By Art Barnum, Tribune reporter

An Aurora man was convicted Monday of killing his 5-month-old daughter two years ago. Prosecutors said the infant wouldn't take her bottle or stop crying.

Joel Chavez, 28, was found guilty of one count of first-degree murder by DuPage County Circuit Judge George Bakalis, who presided over a two-week bench trial this month.

The child, Julyssa, died of blunt force trauma and traumatic brain injury, authorities said. According to Assistant State's Attorney Joseph Lindt, the girl had numerous bruises over her body and fractured ribs and arms, multiple skull fractures and a lacerated spleen. He said the abuse injuries were both old and new.

Defense attorney Steven Muslin had argued that the child was dropped on a bed by Chavez and then went limp after her head hit a wall. He said the injuries occurred when Chavez tried to resuscitate the child incorrectly. The incident occurred Jan. 12, 2009. The child died later at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood.

Bakalis said Chavez's acts were without justification and were done with a strong probability of causing death or serious injury.

The charge carries a mandatory sentence of 20 to 60 years.

"Justice was served," said a tearful Lupe Chavez, the victim's mother and estranged wife of the defendant.

Assistant State's Attorney Michael Pawl said, "Judge Bakalis' ruling was absolutely appropriate given the facts as presented."

Muslin had asked for a verdict of involuntary manslaughter, which carried a maximum sentence of 14 years.

"I still believe there was no intention to hurt the child," he said. "He didn't realize what he was doing."

Chavez's sentencing will be later this spring.