West Chicago mom denies beating baby daughter

A West Chicago baby remained hospitalized Wednesday, one month after her mother was accused of battering the little girl.

Heather M. Allen, 27, is charged with inflicting traumatic injuries on her baby, Shelby, at 3 a.m. Aug. 7 in their home at 539 Fieldcrest. Authorities said the child was just 15 days old when she was beaten.

The baby suffered two skull fractures, broken ribs and a head injury. Authorities said her condition is improving at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield.

The mother pleaded not guilty Wednesday to felony aggravated battery of a child charges when arraigned before DuPage Circuit Judge Kathryn Creswell. Allen is being held in the DuPage County jail on a $750,000 bond.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is involved in the investigation. The agency did not have prior contact involving the baby, but spokesman Jimmie Whitelow said DCFS did investigate another family member nine years ago on abuse allegations involving a child. "There was credible evidence to support an allegation of abuse," Whitelow said.