Crime & Safety
DCFS Investigating Guardian of Slain 3-Year-Old Oak Forest Girl
Authorities said an allegation of abuse was made concerning Gina Pressly a week before she was killed. The boyfriend of her legal guardian is charged with first-degree murder in her death.
A spokesman for the Department of Children and Family Services has confirmed that the agency received an allegation of abuse one week before a 3-year-old Oak Forest girl was brutally murdered.
The DCFS contacted Oak Forest police and asked them to perform a well-being check for Gina Presley, of the 15300 block of Walnut Road, on March 20, a day after receiving a report alleging abuse.
A week later, Presley was pronounced dead and the boyfriend of her legal guardian, Jessie B. Rodriguez, 42, of Chicago, was charged with first-degree murder charge in her death. He was one of two people held for questioning after Presley's death on March 26.
Find out what's happening in Oak Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Cook County medical examiner's office ruled that Presley died of blunt force trauma to the head, police said.
Read more: Bail Set at $10 Million For Man Charged With Murder of 3-Year-Old Girl
Find out what's happening in Oak Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The DCFS also confirmed that they are investigating whether Presley's legal guardian neglected her. Clarkin declined confirm the guardian's identity and said the investigation is not tied to criminal proceedings.
"Whenever we receive a call that a child has been abused or neglected, we attempt to locate the child within 24 hours," said Dave Clarkin, a spokesman for DCFS.
When DCFS is unable to verify a report of abuse, the local police department is asked to perform a well-being check on the child or household.
Oak Forest police confirmed that officers performed a check on the Presley's Walnut Road home after receiving a report of abuse from DCFS on March 19. The home was dark, and no one answered when police checked.
Bail was set at $10 million for Rodriguez on Sunday. He was charged on Saturday, March 30, with first-degree murder. A man shouted "That's horses---! There should be no bail!" during the bond hearing, according to reports.
Initially, a 911 call was placed that reported Presley was choking. A subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Rodriguez.
Join Patch!
Create a free user account and join the discussion about the future of the area. You'll be subscribed to the free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
