CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago police say the mother of a 3-year-old boy who died last summer is now facing criminal charges and is being held in the city after an investigation that went unresolved for more than a year.
Felicia Hirn, 32, the mother of Leland Chipoco, has been charged with three felonies, including murder and aggravated battery of a child.
Hirn was taken into custody in Maryland, and the ABC7 I-Team has learned that she has since been returned to Chicago.
The charges came just two days after the ABC7 I-Team reported on the family’s 15-month effort to get answers in the death of Leland Chipoco.
Leland’s father, Mark Chipoco, said the arrest brought a sense of relief after months of waiting.
“After a year of waiting, I’m relieved that they are finally doing something for my son,” he said. “This may not be the end—it’s only the beginning—but at least they finally listened and took action.”
Records obtained by the I-Team from the Cook County medical examiner and a hospital provide details about the events surrounding the child’s death.
The medical examiner’s summary said Hirn brought Leland to the hospital and told doctors that he had fallen from a slide and hit his head.
But medical records reviewed by the I-Team listed bruising, retinal and subdural hemorrhages, as well as spinal injuries. Doctors documented concerns about possible child abuse and notified authorities.
Even with those warnings, the investigation remained unresolved for more than a year.
Mark Chipoco said memories of his son help him continue seeking answers and justice. “I feel like he’s with me and supporting me right now,” he said. “I will keep moving forward for him. I will not stop.”
As the I-Team previously reported, Cook County prosecutors obtained a warrant 15 months after Leland’s death, following repeated questions about the status of the case. Hirn was arrested in Maryland in September. The criminal complaint alleges that she “choked Leland CHIPOCO with her hands around the neck and forcibly shook Leland thereby causing the death…”
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services told the I-Team in a statement that it worked with law enforcement and completed its investigation, which involved allegations against the mother connected to the child’s death and other claims of abuse.
Mark Chipoco said he passes his son’s grave every day while driving to work.
“I truly hope this marks the beginning of justice for my son,” he said.
Hirn is expected to make her first court appearance in the coming days.
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