LaSalle County State’s Attorney’s Office argues prior abuse to an infant who allegedly died by the hand of his father

OTTAWA – A LaSalle County judge ruled on Friday, to allow its state’s attorney’s office to bring in evidence that they say claims prior abuse to an infant who was later allegedly suffocated by his father. 24-year-old Kenneth Herbst is charged with first-degree murder for the April 2019 incident in LaSalle, where he reportedly suffocated his 2-month-old son with a pillow. Greg Sticka, of the LaSalle County State’s Attorney’s Office, says they are arguing that the prior incident involving the child shows a pattern of abuse, motive, and intent. Another hearing is expected to take place on March 5th at the LaSalle County Courthouse, where Sticka says a trial date is likely to be set.