2nd day in court for Pekin babysitter accused of smothering child in her care

PEKIN (25News Now) - A Pekin babysitter accused of smothering a child in her care was back in court Thursday afternoon.

A judge scheduled 21-year-old Makenna Rhodes’ trial for Oct. 7. She is charged with first-degree-murder for allegedly getting frustrated with the child and smothering her face with a pacifier and small blanket in June.

In a probable cause affidavit, the Tazewell County State’s Attorney’s Office said Rhodes admitted to pressing a “lovey” - a small security blanket with an attached stuffed animal - against the baby’s face and forced a pacifier into her mouth.

Rhodes reportedly told Pekin Police she held the “lovey” against the baby’s face until she closed her eyes.

The affidavit said Rhodes told police she was overwhelmed and angry after trying to get the baby to nap four times, but the child was fighting sleep and extremely fussy.

Police said they were called June 26 to Rhodes’ apartment in the 1200 block of West Florence Avenue on a report that the baby was unresponsive. She died shortly after arrival at Carle Health Pekin Hospital.

A forensic pathologist found asphyxiation to be the cause of death. Tazewell County Coroner Charles Hanley said he’s not ready to release the baby’s name yet, until more information comes from the autopsy.

The affidavit said Rhodes was babysitting for four children at her home, and the parents of the baby who died dropped her off before going to work.

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