Trial date set for Ill. woman accused in child's death

JONESBORO, Ill. -- The trial of an Illinois woman charged in the death of a 4-year-old boy will start on March 11, a judge said Wednesday, although her lawyer added that it may take as long as a month after that until it's over.

Sacha Brown, charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery and concealment of a homicide in the death of Justin Hepburn, pleaded not guilty Jan. 11. Brown was in court before Judge William Thurston on Wednesday, in which he set another pre-trial conference for December and then the trial date. Prosecutors say the 30-year-old Brown, who is free on bond, killed her boyfriend's son to hide a skull fracture that he got while in her care.

But on Wednesday, her lawyer, Larry Karaker, called the prosecution's case flimsy, noting there is no murder weapon or motive. He said the case is purely circumstantial, adding "and a poor one at that."

Pertinent address:

Jonesboro, Ill.