A tragic incident unfolded in a Near West Side home, resulting in the death of a 2-month-old baby boy at the hands of his own mother. Lauryn Shakespeare, a 25-year-old woman, has been charged with the murder of her son, Loyal Rhodes. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that the infant succumbed to multiple injuries at Stroger Hospital, ruling his death as a result of child abuse.
The heartbreaking discovery was made at the family’s residence on the 100 block of North Ashland, where emergency services responded to the distressing scene. The details surrounding this heinous crime are set to be unveiled during Shakespeare’s upcoming detention hearing at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse.
As the community grapples with the devastating loss of a young life, authorities are working diligently to ensure that justice is served for baby Loyal. The events that transpired serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society.
This heartbreaking incident underscores the critical need for awareness and intervention in cases of child abuse. It is imperative for individuals to speak up and report any suspicions of abuse or neglect to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones of Loyal Rhodes during this incredibly difficult time. May his memory be a beacon of light, advocating for the protection of all children from harm.
