DCFS looks into death of Hanover Park baby

Authorities are investigating the death of a 2-month-old Hanover Park baby.

Family members believe the infant died to due sudden infant death syndrome, but the Department of Children and Family Services is investigating an allegation of neglect.

"I know they have to go through the procedure, but they have it wrong. It was just a horrible accident, a crib death," a woman who identified herself as the baby's grandmother said Wednesday.

The infant was found unresponsive around 6:30 p.m. Monday at his home. He was pronounced dead at 7:21 p.m. that evening at St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.

An autopsy conducted on Tuesday was inconclusive pending further studies, a medical examiner's office spokesman said.

Authorities said there were no signs of obvious trauma.

"We're thinking his death was due to SIDS, but it's too early to conclusively say that," Hanover Park Deputy Police Chief Tom Cortese said. "There are no preliminary findings to report at this time."

Cortese said police had never before been called to the Perkins residence. DCFS spokesman Jimmie Whitelow also said the agency had no prior contact with the family.

Three other children who live in the home are currently in the care of relatives, Whitelow said. DCFS doesn't disclose the source of a neglect allegation.