Patricia McKinney
The death of a South Shore infant who was allegedly beaten by his guardian has been ruled a homicide following an autopsy Wednesday.
Nine-month-old Aiden Dukes suffered traumatic injuries Sept. 28 at his home in the 7100 block of South Bennett Avenue, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office said.
He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he died at 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, the medical examiner’s office said.
Police were called to the hospital after doctors found the child had rib and skull fractures believed to be the result of child abuse, News Affairs Officer Ron Gaines said.
An autopsy conducted Wednesday determined Aiden died from multiple injuries resulting from child abuse, and ruled his death a homicide, the medical examiner’s office said.
Patricia McKinney, the child’s guardian, was arrested and charged with aggravated battery to a child under 13, according to police.
McKinney is being held on a $2 million bond and will next appear in court Oct. 7, according to the Cook County Sheriff’s office.
The state Department of Children and Family Services was investigating eight allegations of abuse against Aiden’s guardian and her partner, spokesman Dave Clarkin said. Prior to Sept. 28, the agency had no contact with the family.
Area Central detectives continue to investigate.