Chicago man faces murder charge in Waukegan baby’s death

A man faces murder charges in the death of a 2-month-old Waukegan child he was baby-sitting, authorities said Tuesday.

Andre Sharkey, 32, of Chicago, is held in the Lake County jail lieu of $3 million bail after being charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the infant’s Nov. 16 death, officials said.

Waukegan Police Sgt. Cory Kelly said the child’s mother brought the infant to Vista East Medical Center in Waukegan at 7:30 p.m. The medical staff determined the injuries were suspicious and called police to investigate, officials said.

Sharkey was baby-sitting the infant when the injuries occurred, Kelly said.

The baby died at 10:30 p.m., Kelly said. Police have not released the identity of the infant or the mother.

Preliminary autopsy results showed critical trauma was evident in the child’s abdomen, Kelly said.

Additional details of the murder could not be released because the death remains under investigation, officials said.

This is the fourth baby to have died in Waukegan in as many weeks, but the only one under suspicious circumstances, Kelly said.

Three separate infant deaths did not result in criminal charges, she said, and the police department is urging parents to practice safe sleep habits with infants.

People are urged to place babies on a firm surface and on their back to sleep, Kelly said. In addition, she said people may share a room with their child, but they should never share a bed.

The Waukegan Police Department has delivered pamphlets to residences to educate parents, and posted information on their Facebook page.

Sharkey is due back in court Dec. 16.