BELLEVILLE, IL - (KTVI - FOX2now.com)—
She went through hell and no one helped her. That's how an investigator describes the abuse suffered by a two year old St. Clair County girl. Wednesday night, the toddler's mother and her boyfriend were in custody and some believe the system may have let the little girl down. Investigators tell us the two year old is in critical condition at Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center. Police say she was bruised from head to toe. In fact, were told the beating was so severe that a quarter of her intestines had to be removed."How can you describe it other than hell," said St. Clair County Sheriffs Department Captain Steve Johnson about the abuse.
That hell was allegedly inflicted on the two year old by 24 year old Kraig Monroe. Monroe is the boyfriend of the toddler's mother and is not the child's father. St. Clair County Sheriff's Department investigators say Monroe beat the two year old inside his trailer on Princeton Drive outside of Belleville.
"While the boyfriend was babysitting this two year old while mom was at work the suspect was upset because the baby was crying. So while the baby was sitting an Elmo chair he began punching her in the stomach repeatedly," explained Captain Johnson.
Johnson says the toddler was first taken to Belleville Memorial Hospital on Monday. A short time later, she was transferred to Cardinal Glennon where more injuries were found.
The baby has a fracture of arm that had been healing for some time, appeared to never have been treated at a hospital, and also the baby has a large amount of hair pulled out of its head, said Johnson.
Neighbors say they've heard yelling coming from Monroe's trailer. Ken Conklin says he saw Monroe grab the girl in the past and yell at her.
"A child is brought into this world; they don't need to be hurt. Its just terrible, its terrible," said Ken.
Captain Johnson fears the system may have failed the little girl.
He says his department didn't find out about the case until the toddler was taken to Cardinal Glennon.
Johnson tells us officials at Belleville Memorial never contacted the sheriff's department.
We're also told that the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services responded to Monroe's trailer back on February 23rd because the girl had a broken leg.
Again, Johnson says the sheriff's department was never told.
Monroe's neighbors are praying for the girl.
"With my blessings she survives, I hope she survives. But I just cannot believe that he done that, said the landlord Herb Endrijaitis."
Investigators say the beating went on over a three to four day period. Monroe is charged with aggravated battery of a child.
The toddler's mother hasn't been charged yet but were told she could face charges for endangering the life of a child.
A spokesperson with Belleville Memorial told us Wednesday night that they followed their procedures and contacted state authorities about the toddler. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services won't comment on specific cases. But a spokesperson says they are investigating and try to work with law enforcement.
We're told three other children were also living in the trailer. They are now staying with relatives.
