Two grandparents have been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly physically abusing their five-year-old granddaughter.
Klent Elwoods, 62, and Lisa Jones, 57, are charged with murder after admitting to physically abusing their 5-year-old granddaughter Jada Moore at their home on Osage Street in the Chicago suburb of Forest Park, in the US state of Illinois, on 14th July.
Newsflash obtained a statement from the Park Forest Police Department on Monday, 17th July, saying: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the death of Jada Moore, a five-year-old girl from Park Forest. On July 14, 2023 at 10:50 pm, Park Forest police officers and paramedics responded to a home located in the 300 block of Osage Street for an unresponsive five-year-old girl.
“The child’s grandfather, Klent Elwoods (62 years old), called 911, admitted to abusing Jada, and told dispatchers she was unresponsive.
“Upon arrival, officers and paramedics immediately performed CPR and Jada was taken to Franciscan Health Olympia Fields Hospital.
“Elwoods and his wife, Lisa Jones (57 years old), were taken into custody and transported to the Park Forest Police Department for further investigation. Jada was later airlifted to Comer Children’s Hospital located in Chicago, but sadly passed away on July 15, 2023 around 9:00 am.
“Jada exhibited signs of recent physical abuse as well as older indicators. Park Forest Detectives interviewed Elwoods and Jones who both admitted to physically abusing Jada.
“On July 16, 2023, Detectives presented all the evidence to the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, who approved the charge of First Degree Murder against both Elwoods and Jones. Elwoods and Jones will appear in bond court at Markham Courthouse on July 17, 2023.”
The statement also said: “The men and women of the Park Forest Police Department wish to express their deepest sympathy to Jada’s family and friends and grieve the tragic loss of this child’s life.”
The police have not revealed details regarding the physical abuse.
The investigation is ongoing.
