Van Hyning pleads guilty in infant beating

CLINTON - Michael Van Hyning pleaded guilty Thursday to beating his adoptive son last June.

Van Hyning, 24, of Clinton, entered the pleas to three counts of aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony that carries a possible prison term of from three to seven years. As part of a plea agreement, three Class X felony counts of aggravated battery of a child were dismissed.

Sentencing is June 21.

He is accused of beating Cameron Van Hyning, 16 months, whom the couple took to the Dr. John Warner Hospital emergency room June 23. The medical staff at the Clinton hospital found the boy had serious internal injuries and he was transported to a Peoria hospital.

Van Hyning and his wife Jodene were questioned by Clinton police after the state Department of Children and Family Services was notified about the child's injuries. Van Hyning was arrested June 27. Jodene Van Hyning was not charged.

The Van Hynings, who adopted Cameron from Russia, have surrendered their parental rights. The boy now is in foster care.

Because a child was involved, the judge could order that sentences for each count be served consecutively. An extended sentence also is possible.