Illinois woman charged with murder in boy's death

JONESBORO, Ill. -- A Jonesboro woman was charged with first-degree murder Wednesday in connection with the death of a 4-year-old boy in her care.

Officials allege that Sacha Brown, 29, directly or indirectly fractured Justin Hepburn's skull and tried to cover up his death by moving the body and placing "items" near it to make it look accidental.

Brown was also charged with aggravated battery and concealment of a homicidal death. If convicted, she faces up to 100 years in prison for the murder charge, up to 30 years for the battery charge and up to five years for the concealment charge.

Brown and her family members declined to comment Wednesday.

The charges were filed after the child was found dead Saturday, and since then authorities have been secretive with details in the case. Union County does not release probable-cause statements, and search warrants are not immediately available, State's Attorney Tyler Edmonds said.

Brown is in the Union County Jail on $750,000 bond and will appear in court for a preliminary hearing Jan. 10.

Pertinent address:

Jonesboro, Ill.