OREGON, Ill. (WTVO) — The mother of an Oregon boy who died in February has been booked into the Ogle County Jail.
Sarah Safranek, 34, is charged with three counts of First Degree Murder of 7-year-old Nathaniel Burton. According to charging documents, Safranek suffocated Nathaniel.
One count alleges brutal and heinous behavior. One count alleges a cold, calculated, and premeditated manner, and one count of Aggravated Battery to a Child.
Her husband had filed an order of protection against Safranek a few weeks after the death of their son.
Oregon Police say officers responded to a 911 call, for a child who was not breathing, around 2:35 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17 at a residence in the 400 block of South 10th Street.
Police say Nathaniel was taken to KSB Hospital in Dixon, where he was pronounced dead.
Officials say one additional person was at home when Nathaniel was killed but only Safranek faces charges.
Thursday, we will learn more about Nathaniel and his life through his aunt. She says she testified in court to have Nathaniel stay in his foster family’s care.
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