Munster woman on trial for death of toddler; Authorities allege Luke Evans, 16 months, died of shaken baby syndrome.

Author: Ruth Ann Krause and Jamie Ward, For the Post-Tribune

Opening statements in the murder trial of Natalie Fabian Evans, who is charged in connection with the death of her 16-month-old adopted son, will begin Wednesday following jury selection Monday.

Evans, 36, of Munster has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, battery and neglect of a dependent in the death of toddler Luke Evans, whom Evans and her husband adopted from Russia. If she is convicted, Evans faces a sentence range of 45 to 65 years in prison.

Authorities allege the baby died as a result of shaken baby syndrome. He was brought by ambulance to St. Anthony Medical Center in Crown Point on Nov. 29, 2001, and was transferred to University of Chicago Children's Hospital in Chicago, where his condition was critical. The child died Nov. 30, 2001. Dr. Jill Glick, the children's hospital medical director, determined Evans was a victim of physical abuse.

Evans' jury trial has been continued six times, which has lead to many questions.

Neighbors of the Evans' family at their former home outside Lowell on Monday wondered about what would happen now that the trial has finally begun.

A male neighbor who lived on the same street as Evans and who preferred not to be identified, said of the amount of time between the death and the trial, "I'm taken aback by it really. The whole thing is really just beyond my comprehension. I'm really saddened by what happened and what had to become of it. I feel really bad for everybody involved."

A woman who lived on the same street reserved judgment on Evans: "If she's guilty, then she deserves what she gets. But if not, well then God bless."

Nick Thiros and T. Edward Page represent Evans. Deputy Prosecutor Kathleen O'Halloran is presenting the state's case.

The trial is being held in the courtroom of Lake Superior Court Judge Thomas Stefaniak Jr.