Woman charged with attempted murder after allegedly pushing nephew into Lake Michigan
09/22/2022 11:57 am PDT
CHICAGO (TCD) -- A woman accused of pushing her 3-year-old nephew into Lake Michigan has been arrested and charged as the boy remains on life support.
On Monday, Sept. 19, shortly after 1 p.m., the victim fell into the water on the north side of the famous Chicago Navy Pier. The child was reportedly pulled from the water and transported to Lurie Children's Hospital in critical condition.
According to a news release from the Chicago Police Department, the victim's aunt, Victoria Moreno, 34, was arrested later that day in the 700 block of E. Grand Avenue.
Navy Pier surveillance video revealed what appeared to be Moreno pushing the boy into the lake, WGN-TV reports.
The victim was reportedly in his grandmother's care the day of the incident, and when she went upstairs to change, Moreno allegedly took the child to Navy Pier.
The boy was in cardiac arrest when he was pulled from the water. According to WGN, he is currently on life support.
Police said Moreno faces charges of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery to a child under 13 causing permanent disability. She was reportedly denied bail and ordered not to contact the victim, witnesses, or family members. Moreno is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 30.
In a statement obtained by WGN, Navy Pier officials said, "Navy Pier is profoundly saddened by this incomprehensible tragedy. We work diligently and proactively to ensure the safety of our guests. We have more than 500 cameras throughout the Pier that record activity on site. Thanks to this technology, the Chicago Police Department was able to use real-time evidence when evaluating the details of this case."
The statement continued, "This incident involving a young boy was an isolated occurrence that the police continue to investigate."
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