Bond set at $20K for mother charged in 2017 death of baby in Markham

MARKHAM, Ill. (WLS) -- A Markham mother charged in the 2017 death of her one-year-old daughter had bail set at $20,000 Friday.

Melody Townsend, 40, is charged with felony child endangerment and concealing or aiding a fugitive, after the child was found after a fire in an abandoned house at 155th and Hamlin in July 2017.

The Markham Police Department announced charges against Melody Townsend, the mother of Ana Marie Townsend, a baby found dead in 2017.

Investigators found the baby did not die as a result of the fire. She was identified two years later through DNA tests.

Prosecutors revealed some of the details surrounding the baby's death in court Friday, which they believe happened days before the fire.

Prosecutors said the baby's father could also soon be arrested for his involvement in the death.

The deputy state's attorney said the man has been in a long term relationship with Townsend, and prosecutors say both of them were staying at a nearby hotel with the child. They said Townsend left her daughter with the man, who has not yet been named as he is not yet charged, to go to work.

SEE MORE: Community demands justice 4 years after baby found dead in Markham house fire

Four years ago, the body of a baby was found after a fire in a home in Markham and neighbors believe criminal charges are long overdue.

"When defendant Melody returned, she walked into the hotel room and observed the victim on the bed. The victim appeared to not be breathing and had aspirated. She went to wake up the victim and the victim did not move , and although not cold she was not body temperature," said Kathryn Morrisseey, Deputy Supervisor at the State's Attorney's Office.

Prosecutors said Townsend then went to take a shower and did not render aid, despite being a registered nurse.

Prosecutors say the man then put the child in a car seat and drove her to the abandoned home, while Townsend never made an effort to reach him.

"This was the last time defendant Melody saw the victim," Morrissey said.

Prosecutors said the victim's body was partially hidden inside a plastic bag.

Local activists Andrew Holmes and Michael Airhart have fought for years to bring justice to this case, and said they're shocked at the amount of bond the judge set for Townsend.

"This is wrong she should've had no bond," Holmes said. "She shouldn't be leaving here if somebody comes up with $2,000. Now you can go home, watch TV and enjoy rest of your life."

If Townsend posts bail, she's required to stay in the state and will be on electronic monitoring. The next hearing in this case is set for April 26.