Illinois man charged with murder in death of his disabled foster child

From The Herald-News in Illinois:

JOLIET, Ill. — A Crete man faces a charge of first-degree murder in the beating death of his disabled foster child in July.

Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow announced that Fred D. Johnson II, 43, of 3406 Beckwith Lane, also was charged with aggravated battery of a child and unlawful restraint in connection with the death of 12-year-old Kevin Johnson, who had a mental disability.

The murder charge alleges that between July 15 and 18, Fred Johnson struck Kevin about the head and body, thereby causing his death. The aggravated battery charge alleges Fred Johnson struck Kevin about the head and body. The unlawful restraint charge alleges Fred Johnson tied Kevin to a bed frame with straps.

An additional charge of criminal neglect of a person with a disability alleges Fred Johnson failed to take one of Kevin's siblings, a minor who also had a mental disability, to a doctor for medical attention.

Johnson was arrested without incident Thursday by investigators from Glasgow's office. He is scheduled to appear in court at 1:30 p.m. today in Courtroom 305 of the Will County Courthouse, 14 W. Jefferson St.

At the time of his death, Kevin was living in Johnson's home with his four brothers as well as four other minors who were members of his blended family. All of the other minor children were transferred to and remain in the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services.