Guardian gets 26 years for murder of 9-month-old Aiden Dukes, who died from child abuse in 2013 in South Shore

Jeff Mayes — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 12:43:28 -0500

By JORDAN OWEN
Chicago Sun-Times

Patricia McKinney | Chicago Police

A woman has been sentenced to 26 years in prison for the fatal beating of 9-month-old Aiden Dukes, who was in her care in the South Shore neighborhood when he died in 2013.

Patricia McKinney, 32, pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of murder, according to Cook County court records.

On Sept. 23, 2013, Aiden suffered traumatic injuries at his home in the 7100 block of South Bennett Avenue, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.

He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he died three days later, according to the medical examiner's office.

Police were called to the hospital after doctors found the child had suffered rib and skull fractures believed to be the result of child abuse.

An autopsy confirmed he died of multiple injuries resulting from child abuse, and his death was ruled a homicide, according to the medical examiner's office.

McKinney, the child's guardian, was arrested.

The state Department of Children and Family Services said at the time it was investigating eight allegations of abuse against Aiden’s guardian and her partner.

Judge Vincent Gaughan sentenced her to 26 years in prison Wednesday. She will receive credit for 928 days served in the Cook County Jail, where she had been held on a $2 million bond.

Autopsy: South Shore infant was beaten to death

LeeAnn Shelton — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 16:43:11 -0500

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.

Patricia McKinney | Homicide Watch Chicago

Guardian gets 26 years for murder of 9-month-old Aiden Dukes, who died from child abuse in 2013 in South Shore

Autopsy: South Shore infant was beaten to death