Mom charged with murder - 22-month-old Loves Park girl died June 14

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22-month-old Loves Park girl died June 14

Rockford Register Star

Two months after Loves Park Police were called to a Grand Avenue home and found 22-month-old Esther Scudder struggling for breath, her mother, 53-year-old Sandra Scudder, was arrested.

Sandra Scudder was arrested at home Monday afternoon and charged with first-degree murder. She was taken first to the Loves Park Police Department, then to the Winnebago County Jail where she posted bond and was released.

Several agencies have been investigating Esther's death since the girl, adopted from China, died June 14 at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Police had been called to the Scudder home June 13 where they found Scudder attempting to resuscitate her daughter.

Winnebago County State's Attorney Paul Logli said the agencies had been investigating other possible causes of death "such as from SIDS ... or viruses or accidents. You eliminate other causes. You eliminate other suspects. That's what led us to our decision."

The charges surprised Scudder's neighbors. "When we'd see her outside, she'd be playing with her daughter and minding her own business," said Dennis Chaplo, who lives across the street. Please see 7A