Mother's boyfriend charged in 4-year-old Waukegan girl's death

A Waukegan girl died Sunday from child abuse, and her mother's boyfriend has been charged, authorities say.

Skylar Mendez, 4, died early Sunday morning at Lurie Children's Hospital, authorities say. According to the Cook County medical examiner's office, she died of injuries caused by child abuse and her death was ruled a homicide.

Skylar's mother and her boyfriend, Johnathan Fair, 19, took her to Vista Medical Center about 11:30 p.m. Thursday after she suffered a head injury at their apartment on the 1600 block of Sunset Avenue.

Police initially were told the girl's injury was caused by a fall, but investigators believe her injuries were the result of physical abuse, authorities said. Skylar's mother was not at home at the time of the incident, police said.

Fair has been charged with aggravated battery to a child, police said. His bail was set at $5 million, and his next court date is scheduled for Jan. 9.