Elmhurst woman charged in attack on infant grandson

An Elmhurst woman is accused of trying to kill her 9-month-old grandson after she used a large kitchen knife to cut his forehead, right cheek and neck in a weekend attack.

Sandra F. Clanton, 39, is charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery of a child and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. She remained Wednesday in a secured hospital psychiatric unit.

The boy, born Nov. 23, survived Saturday's attack. He was treated and released at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital for what police described as minor wounds.

"This is a very disturbing case to be sure and we are just thankful the child will recover," Elmhurst Police Chief Steve Neubauer said.

He said officers rushed to an apartment on the 100 block of Willow Street at 10:37 p.m. Saturday after receiving the 911 call. A resident subdued Clanton before police arrived.

Clanton lived in the apartment with a male friend. Police said Clanton's 17-year-old daughter, Savannah, recently began staying in the apartment with her baby.

Authorities said they did not have record of any prior domestic disturbances at the apartment, but Clanton had some history of mental illness. She is expected to be transported to the DuPage County jail, on a $2 million warrant, once her mental condition improves.

"She's obviously disturbed," DuPage State's Attorney Joseph Birkett said. "She is currently getting care in a hospital for psychiatric issues and upon her release she will be taken into custody. One of the first things we will do is have her evaluated for fitness and sanity."