Beach Park mom pleads not guilty in son's murder

A Beach Park woman accused of the beating death of her 3-year-old son pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder Wednesday in Lake County circuit court.

Sophia Nino, 24, faces a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted in the May 28 death of her son, Aziriah Nino.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Steven Derue said Nino, of 38569 Sheridan Road, Lot 426, became upset on the evening of May 26 when the boy soiled his pants.

Witnesses told Lake County sheriff's police that Nino struck the boy two or three times in the back of the head and then took him into a bathroom of their home.

The beating continued, police said, and witnesses reported they could hear the boy screaming from behind the closed door.

Paramedics were called the following morning when the boy was unresponsive. He was taken to Vista East Medical Center in Waukegan.

He was later airlifted to Children's Hospital in Milwaukee, where he died about 1:30 p.m. May 28.

Doctors said the child died of brain injuries, and bruises were found on both ears, both cheeks, his back, neck, legs and thighs.

Police said they also found evidence of previous abuse to the child.

Circuit Judge John Phillips scheduled a trial for Aug. 11. Phillips ordered Nino, who is held on $5 million bond, to appear in court July 2.