A Peoria County grand jury on Tuesday indicted two women on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated battery in connection with the death of a 13-month-old infant.
Tasheaunna R. Williams, 26, and Nausicca Thomas, 27, were originally arrested in January in the death of Hezekiah Willliams of Peoria.
Peoria Police were called to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center on Dec. 19, 2024 for a report of an unresponsive child, and were told the baby had been given adult formula ZZZQuil Sleep Aid. The infant died in the hospital on Dec. 27.
Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood ruled the death a homicide.
Peoria County State’s Attorney Jodi Hoos said Williams and Thomas were arrested on Jan. 10 and charged with aggravated battery. Murder charges weren’t filed at that time as officials were waiting on toxicology results and both women were released.
Hoos said Williams and Thomas are now in custody and a petition to detain them until trial has been filed.
Peoria Police said the investigation continues.
