Child Dies After Aunt Allegedly Pushed Him Off Pier Into Lake

A 3-year-old boy in Illinois has died six days his aunt allegedly pushed him off Chicago’s Navy Pier into Lake Michigan.

The child, who suffered cardiac arrest and severe brain damage after being under the water for 30 minutes, died Sunday morning. While the victim’s name has not yet been officially released, CBS News identified him as Josiah Brown.

The aunt, identified as 34-year-old Victoria Moreno of Des Plaines, was caught on surveillance video pushing the boy into the lake. She was charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery to a child under the age of 13 causing permanent disability, the police said Wednesday.

There is a possibility of the charges being upgraded, prosecutors told local media.

Cook County Circuit Court Judge Susanna Ortiz denied bail to Moreno during a Wednesday bond hearing. Her lawyers told the court she suffered from mental issues. Moreno has a reported history of insomnia, depression, and anxiety.

Moreno took Brown from his grandmother’s house to go to Navy Pier and “go on the rides,” but she said he was “acting up” so she “let go of his shirt and [he] fell in the water,” WGNTV reported.

Chicago Fire Department officials found the boy at the bottom of the lake. He was rushed to Lurie Children’s Hospital, where he was in critical condition all week.

An eyewitness, identified as Ashton King, told CBS Chicago she saw the boy floating. She immediately called for help, while the aunt allegedly stood by and watched.

Moreno has a court appearance scheduled for Sep. 30. The court ordered she cannot contact her family amid the investigation.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist the family with medical expenses.

“Josiah Brown, also known as JoJo, was in a very tragic incident on Monday the 19th. He was pulled from the water at Navy Pier. If you have seen the news, he is in very critical condition and any kind of help will be very appreciated!! Please help JoJo and his family with any kind of help, share, prayers or donation. Thank you!!” the description of the page read.

As of Monday morning, the fund raised was $13,643 of the $100,000 goal.