Left: Eulalia Vences. Right: Natali Cruz-Gemchi (Kane County Jail).

Eulalia Vences, aged 55, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison following her guilty plea to the charge of aggravated battery with great bodily harm. This grim chapter in the life of the young boy came to light when Vences and the child’s mother, 33-year-old Natali Cruz-Gemchi, rushed him to Saint Joseph Hospital in Elgin, near Chicago, in March 2024. The boy was unresponsive, prompting immediate medical attention.

Upon stabilization, doctors discovered that the boy was severely underweight, his frail body weighing just 14 pounds. Prosecutors described his condition as a result of “severe intentional physical torture, psychological torture, and medical neglect,” painting a grim picture of the abuse he suffered.

Vences, who lived with the boy and acted as his caregiver, along with Cruz-Gemchi, had subjected him to at least three years of neglect. Both women faced multiple charges, including aggravated battery, aggravated domestic battery, and child endangerment. While Vences will receive credit for nearly 600 days already served, she must complete at least 85% of her sentence before becoming eligible for parole, according to the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Vences, the boy’s live-in caregiver, and Cruz-Gemchi had been neglecting the boy for at least three years. They were charged with several counts of aggravated battery, aggravated domestic battery and child endangerment. Vences will receive credit for the nearly 600 days of time served and will be incarcerated for at least 85% of her sentence before she’s up for parole.

The case against Cruz-Gemchi is ongoing. She has a court hearing scheduled for Jan. 21.

“In my many years as a prosecutor, this is one of the most disturbing cases I have encountered. For an adult to neglect, torture, and starve a child in their care, with such wanton disregard for the child’s well-being, is both unforgivable and horrendous,” Assistant State’s Attorney Lori Schmidt said in a statement. “As a result of these actions, the child, who fortunately survived the abuse, will face long-term medical complications and lifelong psychiatric consequences. The defendant admitted her guilt and received a sentence that holds her accountable for her actions. She can now spend the next two decades reflecting on the harm she inflicted on an innocent child.”