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Trial Starts For East Peoria Woman Charged In Toddler's Death

Tim Shelley
/
WCBU

An East Peoria woman's trial is underway for the murder of her boyfriend's toddler son.

Lesli Jett faces three counts of first-degree murder and an aggravated battery count in connection with the February 2020 death of 4-year-old Tate Thurman.

Authorities say Jett claimed the child died from a fall injury, but the coroner ruled his injuries were consistent with abuse.

DCFS was involved with the family seven times before his death.

Jett has remained in the Tazewell County Jail on $3 million bond since February 2020.

Jurors were selected Monday. Opening statements are expected on Tuesday, followed by a trial that could last two weeks.

Tim is the News Director at WCBU Peoria Public Radio.