Dad charged with manslaughter in death of 7-month-old son (Streator, Illinois)

Dad is identified as RAYMOND FISHER JR.

http://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/dad-charged-in-child-s-death/article_ddb395bc-e02a-11e2-84ec-0019bb2963f4.html

Father, 20, charged in infant son's death

June 28, 2013 2:42 pm • By Greg Stanmar

STREATOR — The father of an infant boy killed nearly a year ago has been charged with the death.

Raymond Fisher Jr., 20, now living in Ottawa with the boy’s mother, Jasmine Scott, was arrested Thursday in the death of 7-month-old Raymond Fisher III.

Fisher is charged with involuntary manslaughter and aggravated battery. He remained in the LaSalle County jail Friday in lieu of $750,000 bond; 10 percent in cash is required for his release.

In January and again on Friday, State’s Attorney Brian Towne said the case was delayed because his office was awaiting follow-up tests and a meeting with the pathologist.

“We wanted to make sure we had everything in order,” said Towne.

Streator Detective Bob Turner agreed. “It was a matter of doing the police investigation and there were a lot of doctors involved,” said Turner. “There were a lot of ends to wrap up before we could get to the charges.”

The unresponsive child was rushed to St. Mary’s Hospital in Streator late on Aug. 29, then flown to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He died the next day.

Peoria County Coroner Johanna Ingersoll said the child suffered blunt force trauma to the head and bleeding in the brain. A coroner’s jury ruled the death a homicide late last year.

Turner said the child was injured at the North Otter Creek Road apartment where his parents lived in Streator before moving to Ottawa.

There was no weapon involved when the infant was injured, he said, adding, “Beyond that, I really can’t get into details (about how the injuries occurred) at this point.

Towne said the infant was severely shaken, causing the head trauma.