Press Release

Aggravated Battery to Child

On September 26, 2023 at approximately 5:01 p.m., Knox County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to 102 W. South St. Apartment #2, Henderson, IL for an unresponsive 3-month-old infant.  Upon arrival, Henderson Fire first responders and Deputies began C.P.R. on the infant. Galesburg Ambulance Hospital Services (GHAS) assisted at the scene and Life Flight was requested for transport of the infant.  First responders were able to get the child stabilized with C.P.R. and the infant's heartbeat returned.  The infant was transported to O.S.F. in Peoria, IL by Life Flight. 

Detectives from the Knox County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene and began an investigation into the incident.  It was discovered that the infant was home with the father McClaren (26) of Henderson, Illinois, at the time of the incident.

On September 27, 2023 at approximately 1:30 p.m., Investigators obtained information from O.S.F. that injuries the infant sustained were from trauma. 

At approximately 7:30 p.m., McClaren was taken into custody at the Knox County Sheriff's Office. 

McClaren was charged with Aggravated Battery to a Child Causing Great Bodily Harm Under 13, Aggravated Domestic Battery, and Endangering the Health and Welfare of a Child.  McClaren was booked into the Knox County Jail awaiting a detention hearing.

On September 28, 2023, The Knox County State's Attorney's Office filed formal charges against McClaren and a petition to detain. McClaren was placed on supervised release by the presiding Judge and released from the Knox County Jail.  McClaren's preliminary hearing was set for October 18, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.  

The following agencies are assisting the case Galesburg Police Department, Department of Children and Family Services, and Knox States Attorney's Office.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the court of law.