Round Lake Beach woman pleads not guilty in newborn's death

A Round Lake Beach woman charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of her newborn daughter pleaded not guilty Thursday in Lake County circuit court.

Nericia Davis, 21, could face up to 14 years in prison if convicted but would also be eligible for probation.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Ari Fisz said Davis, of 1532 Cherokee Drive, was home alone the night of March 25, 2007. Fisz said Davis, who was a little more than six months pregnant at the time, experienced discomfort during the night and went into the bathroom.

She delivered her daughter into the toilet, Fisz said, cut the umbilical cord, then laid down on the floor in the bathroom.

Her mother arrived home about two hours after the birth, Fisz said, found the baby and called paramedics.

The infant could not be revived, Fisz said, and an autopsy determined the child had been born alive.

Fisz said Davis was indicted Aug. 13 after an extensive review of medical records and other evidence in the case.

Circuit Judge Fred Foreman scheduled a trial of the case for Nov. 17, and ordered Davis to appear in court Oct. 29. Davis is free from custody on a $5,000 bond.