CHICAGO — A 25-year-old woman has been charged in the death of a 2-month-old baby boy who was found unresponsive earlier this week in a Chicago apartment, according to a statement from the Chicago Police Department.
Lauryn Shakespeare, a resident of the 100 block of North Ashland Avenue, was formally charged on June 5 with:
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One (1) felony count of First-Degree Murder
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One (1) felony count of Murder with Strong Probability of Death
The victim has been identified as Loyal Rhodes, an infant who was found unresponsive around 8:20 a.m. on June 2, 2025, inside an apartment unit at 150 N. Ashland Avenue (Unit 306).
Source: Cook County Medical Examiner’s Database
Infant Pronounced Dead At Stroger Hospital
Emergency responders transported Loyal to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly afterward. According to the Cook County Medical Examiner, the child died as a result of multiple injuries related to child abuse. His death has been officially ruled a homicide.
The Cook County autopsy report listed the cause of death as:
HOMICIDE – MULTIPLE INJURIES, CHILD ABUSE
Time of death: 9:14 a.m. on June 2, 2025
Age: 2 months
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Suspect Arrested Following Multi-Agency Effort
Shakespeare was arrested on June 3 at 5:45 p.m. by the Chicago Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force. The arrest occurred in the same 100 block of N. Ashland Ave. where the child was found.
Police say she was taken into custody without incident and charged accordingly. No bond or court date information has been made public beyond a detention hearing scheduled for June 6 at 2600 S. California Avenue.
“No additional information is available at this time,” police officials said in the public statement issued June 5.
Charges Filed Against Lauryn Shakespeare
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office has formally approved:
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First-Degree Murder under Illinois statute
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Murder – Strong Probability of Death or Injury to a Child
Court proceedings are ongoing. More information will be shared as the case develops.
This tragedy has shaken the local community. If you or someone you know is struggling with child care stress, family violence, or trauma — please reach out for help. There are resources across Chicago to support families before harm occurs.
Share your thoughts or condolences at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
