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DuPage child center will memorialize Jeanine Nicarico

DuPage County's new child advocacy center will be named after Jeanine Nicarico, a 10-year-old Naperville girl who was abducted from her home and murdered more than 27 years ago.

State's Attorney Joe Birkett made the announcement Monday, saying the project is meant to “pay tribute to Jeanine Nicarico and the difference she has made in the criminal justice system.”

“It is my hope that by naming the new center after this beautiful little girl whose life was cut far too short by a serial killer, we will raise awareness of the center and the extremely important work that they do,” he said in a statement.

A DuPage County jury sentenced Jeanine's killer to the death penalty late last year, marking the end of a decades-long legal saga dating back to her abduction on Feb. 25, 1983.

Jeanine's mother, Pat, said by phone Monday that she and her husband Tom were “very honored and touched” to have the child center named after their daughter.

She said the memorial will supplement an ongoing literacy fund in Jeanine's name to help children who have difficulty learning to read.

“Jeanine always cared about other children and their feelings, and always looked out for them,” Pat Nicarico said. “Just as the literacy fund has been able to help children in school, hopefully this will help children who have been abused or are victims of other crimes.”

The DuPage County Children's Center investigates cases of sexual abuse and severe physical abuse, and also works with children who witness violent crimes.

Birkett said he consulted with former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan, who established Illinois' first such center in DuPage County, as well as Jeanine's parents, the center's board of governors and the county board in naming the facility.

Officials said construction is expected to begin next year. The center will be just north of the youth home on the county government campus at County Farm and Manchester Roads in Wheaton.