Two women from Illinois, Tasheaunna Williams, 26, and Nausicca Thomas, 27, are currently in custody following the death of a 13-month-old infant who was under their care. The child’s death occurred after the women administered ZzzQuil, an adult sleep aid, to the baby. The incident took place in December 2024, but the details were not immediately disclosed.
The women brought the baby to the hospital on December 19, 2024, under unclear circumstances, as reported by local news outlet WEEK. The Peoria State’s Attorney’s Office later revealed that the child had been given ZzzQuil. The baby was found unresponsive and was rushed to the OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. Despite medical intervention, the child passed away on December 27.
In the days leading up to the child’s death, the baby’s condition was critical. The police were alerted when the baby was brought to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center on December 19. The Department of Children and Family Services and the Pediatric Resource Center were also informed about the situation. An investigation was initiated into the child’s condition, which included interviewing the child’s guardians.
Williams and Thomas were not arrested until January 10, as authorities were waiting for the results of the baby’s toxicology tests. The women were taken into custody without any issues. A grand jury subsequently indicted both women on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated battery. They are currently being held in the Peoria County Jail, awaiting trial.
The arraignment for Williams and Thomas is scheduled for February 27. The tragic incident has raised questions about the safety and well-being of children under the care of others, and the potential dangers of administering adult medications to infants.