Babysitter Charged in Kids' Fatal Stabbing

Published reports indicate Elzbieta Plackowska heard "demonic voices"

First-degree murder charges were filed Wednesday evening against a Naperville woman who authorities say stabbed her 8-year-old son and a 5-year-old girl she was babysitting.

Elzbieta Plackowska, 40, of the 200 block of Bailey Road, is expected to appear in bond court Thursday morning. Further charges are possible, officials said.

Officials from the state's attorney's office said Plackowska stabbed the children to death, then fled immediately to a nearby church and finally to a relative's house. That relative phoned the police, according to the state's attorney.

In a telephone conversation with NBC Chicago, Marta Dworakowski, the mother of the slain girl, said her daughter "was a beautiful little girl who had her life taken."

Each child reportedly had dozens of stab wounds about his and her body. Two dead dogs were also found in the home. No potential motive has been provided, but published reports say Plackowska, a native of Poland, was dealing with the recent death of her father and may have confessed to hearing "demonic voices.

NBC Chicago confirmed she had suffered from recent mental instability.  Police said Plackowska was covered in blood when she was taken into custody.

The bodies were discovered Tuesday at around 10:18 p.m. at a home on the 800 block of Quin Court in the western suburb. The victims, who attended Scott Elementary School and Brook Elementary School, were found after a well-being check.

Neighbors said the family moved in about a month ago and that nobody knew them very well.

School District 203 director of communications Susan Rice said the news was having a "profound impact on families."

"It is with great sadness that we inform you that the Brookdale community mourns the loss of one of our kindergarten students, who passed away last night," Principal Mary Howicz said in a statement. "The district's crisis team is in place this morning to support students and staff as they cope with this news. They will remain in place for as long as necessary as students work through their feelings and grief. If you feel your child is having any difficulty with this news, please don't hesitate to contact us so that we can be aware of your child's needs. Please keep the Brookdale family in your thoughts during this very difficult time."

Supt. Dan Bridges had counselors on site to help students and said. He said they would remain as long as necessary.

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