In a heartbreaking incident that has shocked Chicago’s Near West Side, a 2-month-old infant named Loyal Rhodes lost his life under tragic circumstances, leading to the arrest of his 25-year-old mother, Lauryn Shakespeare, on charges of first-degree murder. On the morning of June 2, 2025, police responded to a distressing call from an apartment in the 100 block of North Ashland Avenue, where Shakespeare reported that her infant son was unresponsive. She initially told officers that she had been sleeping beside Loyal and awoke to find him not breathing. Despite the swift response from emergency services, the infant was rushed to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 9:14 a.m., just over an hour after the call.
The initial account provided by Shakespeare raised suspicions among investigators, as her story reportedly shifted during questioning. An autopsy conducted by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office revealed devastating details: Loyal Rhodes had suffered a cerebral hematoma and a linear skull fracture on the right side of his head. These injuries, described as severe and inconsistent with the mother’s explanation of co-sleeping, pointed to a far more troubling cause of death. The medical examiner ruled the infant’s death a homicide, attributing it to child abuse. Prosecutors have since alleged that Shakespeare intentionally caused the fatal injuries by throwing her son onto the floor with the intent to seriously harm or kill him. The gravity of the accusation has left the community grappling with grief and disbelief.
Lauryn Shakespeare was arrested on June 3 at her residence, the same location where the incident occurred. She now faces charges of first-degree murder and murder with a strong probability of death, reflecting the severity of the alleged act. Court records indicate that Shakespeare was unable to attend her scheduled detention hearing on June 6 at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse due to hospitalization for an undisclosed medical condition. This development has delayed the legal proceedings, with no further details released about her health or the rescheduling of the hearing. The relationship between Shakespeare and Loyal has not been explicitly detailed in public statements by police, though it is understood that she is the infant’s mother.
The case has sparked widespread sorrow and outrage, with many in Chicago and beyond struggling to comprehend the circumstances that led to such a tragedy. Loyal Rhodes, described as a defenseless 2-month-old, has become the focus of community mourning, as residents reflect on the fragility of life and the responsibilities of parenthood. Authorities have released limited information about the events leading up to the incident, citing the ongoing investigation by Chicago police. The lack of clarity about the motive or any preceding events has only deepened the public’s desire for answers.
As the investigation continues, the case underscores broader concerns about child welfare and the mechanisms in place to protect the most vulnerable. Community advocates have called for increased support for young parents, emphasizing the need for resources to address mental health, stress, and socioeconomic challenges that can strain families. For now, the city mourns the loss of Loyal Rhodes, a life cut short under circumstances that have left a lasting impact on all who have heard his story. The legal process will unfold in the coming weeks, as prosecutors and investigators work to piece together the events that led to this devastating outcome.
