A three-year-old is dead and a 33-year-old woman from Carlinville has been arrested following an investigation. On Thursday, a report was made at the Litchfield fire department that a minor child was in distress. Upon investigation, it was determined that the child had died. Investigators determined that the child’s death occurred in Macoupin County.  A coordinated investigation between the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department, Carlinville Police Department, and the Litchfield Police Department led to multiple search warrants being issued. 

33 year old Ashley N. Bottoms of Carlinville was charged with Involuntary Manslaughter, a Class 2 felony, and Endangering the Life of a Child Causing Death, a class 3 felony.    Macoupin County State's Attorney Jordan Garrison issued a statement, “Crimes against children are, by their very nature, some of the worst crimes, with perpetrators leaving families destroyed by their actions. It is alleged that this defendant, a trusted household member, committed this horrific act. I would like to thank Sheriff Shawn Kahl, Chief David Haley, and Chief Kenneth Ryker for their agencies coordinated effort. I would also like to thank Detectives Ryan Dixon, Brian Lawton, Brian Reid and Larry Rayburn for their swift actions leading to these charges."

Judge Joshua A. Meyer set bond in the matter at $250,000.  Macoupin County State's Attorney Jordan Garrison, Macoupin County Sheriff Shawn Kahl, Carlinville Police Chief David Haley and Litchfield Police Chief Kenneth Ryker were all heavily involved with this case.