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Mother, Stepfather Charged In Girl's Death

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Aug 6, 2007 3:05 pm US/Central

Mother, Stepfather Charged In Girl's Death

Autopsy Reveals 13-Year-Old Was Abused

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The STNG Wire contributed to this report.
CHICAGO (CBS) ― Bond was denied Monday for the mother and stepfather accused of beating their 13-year-old daughter to death. The girl was blind and weighed only 73 pounds.

Shavon Miles, of 7239 S. Maplewood Ave., was pronounced dead at Holy Cross Hospital at 3:34 p.m. Friday, according to a Cook County Medical Examiner's office spokesman.

An autopsy by the medical examiner's office stated Miles died from multiple injuries caused by child abuse. Her death was ruled a homicide.

Shavon's mother Lynessia Hiles-Sloan, 34, and stepfather Gabriel Sloan, 31, were charged Monday with one count of first-degree murder. A Cook County judge denied bond for both of them, according to the Cook County state's attorney's office.

Prosecutors allege the defendants beat Miles with a 2-by-4 wooden plank and an electrical cord on Friday.

Miles, who was legally blind and weighed 73 pounds, suffered from a hematoma to her skull and internal injuries to her liver, as well as multiple bruises, according to prosecutors. She also showed signs of malnutrition.

Police said the girl had a history of medical problems, including seizures.

The 2-by-4 used to beat Miles was recovered from the outside trash near the home. The defendants also admitted to killing the child in statements given to authorities, according to prosecutors.

Police were called to the family's home Friday afternoon and upon arrival, Hiles-Sloan allegedly told police her daughter had fallen and hit her head.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is also investigating the death. Jimmy Whitlow, a DCFS spokesman, said the agency has had prior contact with the family.

The defendants are slated for a preliminary hearing in Violence Court (Br. 66) on Aug. 28.

(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.