Authorities still deciding how to try 15-year-old

LIBERTYVILLE ? Jefferson County Attorney Tim Dille said he has until the end of the day today to decide whether to try a 15-year-old Libertyville female as an adult, who is charged with child endangerment resulting in death.

Because of her age, the girl would be tried in juvenile court, unless the county attorney requests the case be moved to adult court and the judge accepts the request. Dille has 10 days from the day the charges are filed to make application to try a juvenile as an adult, and today is the last day.

Dille said he wants to consult with his assistant attorney Pat McAvan and other officials today before making his decision, which he plans to make this afternoon.

Dille has applied for the juvenile to be tried as a ?youthful offender,? which means the girl, if convicted, would spend time in a juvenile detention facility until age 18, when she could receive additional sentencing.

According to a press release from the Jefferson County Attorney?s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff?s Office was dispatched to 703 E. Maple in Libertyville at 4:45 a.m. Oct. 11 in reference to a report of a deceased infant. Authorities responded and found a deceased infant.

Upon further investigation, authorities determined a 15-year-old female gave birth to the infant on the morning of Oct. 10. The charge against the female, if committed by an adult, would be a Class B felony punishable by up to 50 years in prison. Dille said a prison term of such length would probably not apply because the Iowa Supreme Court has ruled it is cruel and unusual punishment for a juvenile.