13-month-old dies after being given adult sleep aid ZzzQuil, Illinois prosecutors say
Two women are facing charges in the death of a 13-month-old boy who was given an excessive dose of an adult sleep aid, Illinois prosecutors said.
Tasheaunna R. Williams, 26, and Nausicca Thomas, 27, were indicted Feb. 25 on first-degree murder charges in connection to the death of 13-month-old Hezekiah Williams, according to a news release from the Peoria County State’s Attorney.
Peoria police responded Dec. 19 to a report of an unresponsive child and learned “Hezekiah had been given the adult formula” of the sleep aid ZzzQuil, prosecutors said.
The boy was given a 40ml dose, exceeding the 30ml dose recommended for adults, WMBD reported citing court records. The outlet identified the women as Hezekiah’s parents.
Hezekiah died Dec. 27 “despite aggressive medical treatment,” while in pediatric intensive care, the Peoria County Coroner’s Office said. An autopsy revealed Hezekiah suffered from “gross physical abuse and neglect,” the coroner’s office said.
Williams and Thomas are also each charged with aggravated battery, court records show. Attorney information was not available.
Peoria is about a 170-mile drive southwest from Chicago.
This story was originally published February 26, 2025 at 2:31 PM with the headline "13-month-old dies after being given adult sleep aid ZzzQuil, Illinois prosecutors say."
