Left: Eulalia Vences. Right: Natali Cruz-Gemchi (Kane County Jail).

Eulalia Vences, aged 55, received a 20-year prison sentence after admitting guilt to charges of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm. This decision was announced by the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office. The investigation into this tragic situation began in March 2024. It was set in motion when Vences and the child’s mother, 33-year-old Natali Cruz-Gemchi, brought the unresponsive child to the emergency room at Saint Joseph Hospital, located in Elgin, near Chicago.

Medical professionals managed to stabilize the boy; however, his severely underweight condition, weighing only 14 pounds, was indicative of prolonged and deliberate physical, psychological, and medical neglect, according to prosecutors. The findings painted a disturbing picture of the child’s suffering.

Vences, who was living with the boy as his caregiver, and Cruz-Gemchi had reportedly been neglecting the child for a minimum of three years. Both women faced charges including multiple counts of aggravated battery, aggravated domestic battery, and child endangerment. Vences will receive credit for nearly 600 days already served but must complete at least 85% of her sentence before being eligible for parole.

Meanwhile, the legal proceedings against Cruz-Gemchi continue. She is scheduled to appear in court on January 21. The community and the legal system remain vigilant as they seek justice for the boy, whose tragic circumstances have resonated far beyond the local area.

The case against Cruz-Gemchi is ongoing. She has a court hearing scheduled for Jan. 21.

“In my many years as a prosecutor, this is one of the most disturbing cases I have encountered. For an adult to neglect, torture, and starve a child in their care, with such wanton disregard for the child’s well-being, is both unforgivable and horrendous,” Assistant State’s Attorney Lori Schmidt said in a statement. “As a result of these actions, the child, who fortunately survived the abuse, will face long-term medical complications and lifelong psychiatric consequences. The defendant admitted her guilt and received a sentence that holds her accountable for her actions. She can now spend the next two decades reflecting on the harm she inflicted on an innocent child.”