A woman from the west suburbs has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the severe abuse and neglect of a child. This case has shocked the community in Kane County, Illinois.
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Eulalia Vences, a 55-year-old resident of Elgin, admitted her guilt in the deliberate starvation of a 7-year-old child, according to Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie L. Mosser.
In March 2024, Vences, along with her co-defendant Natali Cruz-Gemchi, brought Cruz-Gemchi’s child to the hospital. The child was in cardiac arrest upon arrival.
The child, weighing a mere 14 pounds, displayed signs of extreme physical and psychological abuse, alongside significant medical neglect.
Court documents reveal that the abuse began in March 2021, marking a prolonged period of suffering for the young victim.
Both Vences and Cruz-Gemchi faced multiple charges, including aggravated battery, aggravated domestic battery, and child endangerment.
Vences was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated battery/great bodily harm. She must serve at least 85% of the sentence.
Cruz-Gemchi remains detained as her case is still pending.
“This is one of the most disturbing cases I have encountered,” Assistant State’s Attorney Lori Schmidt said. “The child, who fortunately survived the abuse, will face long-term medical complications and lifelong psychiatric consequences.
