An Illinois Woman Threw A Baby Boy Against A Wall While Breaking Up A Fight. Then, He Died When She Drove Around With Him For Hours.

A plea agreement was recently entered by an Illinois woman in connection with the death of a 3-year-old child last year, according to authorities.

On Oct. 20, 2022, the Litchfield Fire Station was notified regarding a “child in distress,” the Carlinville Police Department said.

Emergency personnel responded to the vehicle and found the child deceased.

On Oct. 23, 2022, Ashley Bottoms, 33, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and endangering the life of a child causing death after law enforcement officers executed multiple search warrants and conducted interviews, the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department announced.

Bottoms was trying to break up a fight between two minors when she threw the victim, Hunter Lee Drew, WICS-TV reported. Drew reportedly hit his head against the ledge of a half wall and reportedly died of a brain bleed.

However, Bottoms, whose relationship to the victim is unclear, failed to seek medical attention for Drew, but instead drove the child around for more than three hours before going to Litchfield to pick up the victim’s father. Officials said Drew died sometime during the drive.

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In a statement, Macoupin County State's Attorney Jordan Garrison said that crimes against children are “some of the worst crimes” and “it is alleged that this defendant, a trusted household member, committed this horrific act."

On April 13, Bottoms reportedly entered a plea agreement for involuntary manslaughter and she is scheduled to be sentenced on June 16, officials said. She faces three to 14 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.