Man Guilty in 4-Month-Old Girl's Death

Baby dies day after father shook, threw her against wall

An Aurora man was found guilty Monday in the death of his 4-month-old daughter.

Joel Chavez, 28, was charged with first-degree murder after Julyssa Chavez died in January 2009 after suffering injuries to her head and body.

Investigators said the injuries were caused after Chavez threw the girl against the wall and shook her.

"Children look to their parents to protect them and to provide for them but in this sad case, a four-month-old little girl needed protection from her own father," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert. B. Berlin said.

Chavez could face anywhere from 20-60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

He's next scheduled to appear in court April 25.

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