The Jefferson County Attorney has decided to charge a Libertyville teenager as a juvenile — not an adult — in a child endangerment case. According to court records, the 15-year-old gave birth last month to a child in her room and then wrapped the infant in a towel before placing it in a clothes basket in a closet. The child was later found dead.

Pat McAvan, Jefferson County Assistant Attorney, says as a youthful offender, the defendant can take advantage of services offered by the state for educational instruction and mental health in efforts to rehabilitate offenders then at the age of 18, a judge could render jail time. A motion was filed to close from public view the court hearings. That hearing is scheduled for December 11.

The girl remains in custody participating in comprehensive mental health assessments.

(Reporting by Steve Smith, KMCD, Fairfield)