Chicago woman charged in death of toddler in Naperville

A 39-year-old Chicago woman has been charged with reckless conduct in connection with the death of a 2-year-old boy she was watching at a Naperville motel.

Theresa Gary was arrested Jan. 14 on a probable cause warrant at her home, a day before she officially was charged for her role in the Nov. 5, 2008, death of Joseph Balkcom, authorities said Monday.

Naperville police Cmdr. Dave Hoffman said Gary was staying at the Best Western Motel at 1617 Naper/Wheaton Road with the boy and his mother. Hoffman said the boy was in Gary's care when he died.

Investigators were told the youngster had been suffering from a cold at the time of his death. Toxicology results show the boy was given an overdose of children's Benadryl, Hoffman said. Police say Gary administered the cold medication.

Hoffman said it is unclear where the boy's mother was at the time of his death. She has not been named nor charged in connection with his death.

Emergency workers were called to the motel just after 10 p.m. Nov. 5 on a report of a boy not breathing. Paramedics found the toddler unresponsive when they arrived. He was pronounced dead at 10:18 p.m.

Gary has no prior criminal record in DuPage County. She is being held at DuPage County jail in Wheaton in lieu of a $75,000 bond.