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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lee Enterprises

Thursday, July 24, 2008 8:10 PM CDT
Westfield woman charged after house fire
Investigation ongoing into case involving deceased baby boy found near the home

By ROB STROUD, Staff Writer
rstroud@jg-tc.com

WESTFIELD — An arson charge has been filed against the mother of a newborn who was found dead near a house fire scene.

Clark County court records show that Cayla K. Wheeler, 23, was charged Monday with arson in regard to the July 9 fire at her home in rural Westfield.

The Illinois State Police reported the Clark County Sheriff’s Department asked for its help with the case after learning that an occupant of the home had been pregnant before the fire and that the baby could not be accounted for afterwards.

ISP has reported that a search was subsequently conducted using cadaver dogs in the immediate area. A deceased male newborn was reportedly found in a wooded area near the home.

Wheeler appeared in court Tuesday for a bond hearing. Her bond has been set at a level that she would need to post $10,000 to be released from the Clark County jail.

Court records also show that, at Wheeler’s request, Clark and Edgar counties Public Defender Kaye DeSelms was appointed on Tuesday to represent her.

On Wednesday, Wheeler was back in court for a hearing at which a motion was granted for appointment of a special prosecutor in the case.

DeSelms, Clark County State’s Attorney Dennis Simonton, and ISP investigator Lt. Thomas Oliverio could not be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon.

ISP is leading the investigation with the assistance of the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office and local agencies. Fire marshal spokeswoman Januari Smith said Wednesday afternoon that the case is still under investigation.

On Aug. 6, Wheeler will be in court for a preliminary hearing. A judge will hear prosecution evidence prior to determining if there is probable cause to believe that a crime occurred and if that evidence shows Wheeler committed the crime.

Court records show that Wheeler does not have a prior criminal record in Clark County.

Contact Rob Stroud at rstroud@jg-tc.com or 348-5734.

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2sense wrote on Jul 23, 2008 1:53 PM:

" Is she going to be charged in regards to the dead newborn? I heard through the grapevine ( I know there are tons of rumors floating around) that it was a stillborn baby. Still doesn't excuse it being tossed into the woods like garbage. I just wonder why they haven't said anymore at all about the baby and the circumstances of his death. "