Trial set for infant's death in Lake in the Hills

More than 2 years after authorities charged him with murdering his infant nephew, a Lake in the Hills man finally knows when he will get his day in court.

A McHenry County judge Friday set a Feb. 3 date for Julian Palomo to go to trial on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated battery to a child stemming from the February 2006 death of 3-month-old Daniel Marchan.

Authorities claim Palomo was baby-sitting in his home Jan. 27 when he violently shook he boy, causing severe head and brain injuries. The boy died a week later.

Despite the allegations, much of Palomo's family - including Daniel's parents - are supporting him through the criminal proceedings and do not believe he should have been charged.

Prosecutors announced last year they would not seek the death penalty if Palomo is found guilty, in part because of his family's backing. Instead, he would face a maximum 60-year prison term if convicted.

The proceedings have moved slowly since county prosecutors first charged Palomo, in part because of a change in his defense team and later, his attorney's work defending a client in the high-profile Family Secrets organized crime trial.