Community
Hayden Panettiere's death ruled accidental by police
By Keisha Patel
Markham mother sentenced to 2 years probation in 2017 death of baby found in burned home
Mark Thompson
Mark Thompson
Reporter · Chicago, IL
Mark Thompson has spent over a decade highlighting community stories across Chicago. He graduated from Northwestern University and has contributed to various local outlets, including Chicago Reader, focusing on grassroots initiatives and neighborhood developments.
More from Mark →Reporter · Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 1:52 AM · 2 min read
24/7 LiveChicago & Suburban Cook Co.North SuburbsWest SuburbsSouth SuburbsNW Indiana Baby DeathMarkham mother sentenced to 2 years probation in 2017 death of baby found in burned homeMarkham mother Melody Townsend was sentenced to two years of probation in the 2017 death of her baby, Ana Marie Townsend, found in a burned home.ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team Thursday, October 29, 2026 1:52AMShareMARKHAM, Ill. (WLS) -- A south suburban mother will serve two years of probation for the death of her 1-year-old daughter.Ana Marie Townsend was found dead in the debris of a Markham house fire in 2017.ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watchTop StoriesMan killed in FBI-involved shooting in Dixmoor, sparking large police response: agency, family1 hour agoSchaumburg man killed after crashing into tree identified, Palatine police sayChicago architecture firm proposes renderings of new Bears stadium near current White Sox location2 hours agoInvestigators say they believe the baby died days before the fire.Melody Townsend was arrested in California and extradited to Illinois. She has now been sentenced to two years of probation.Townsend also has complete domestic violence counseling and get mental health evaluation and treatment.READ MORE | Community demands justice years after baby found dead in Markham house fireReport a correction or typoCopyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.Related Topics MARKHAM BABY DEATH BODY FOUND BABY MOTHER ARRESTED MOTHER CHARGED CHILD ENDANGERMENTBaby DeathFather arrested, 14-year-old daughter rescued by Mexican authorities in California incest caseCharges dropped against woman accused of hiding dead baby in suburbs1-year-old girl dies after being found with injuries on North SideMaryland dad blames 'Satan' for death of infant daughterWatch LiveON NOWTop StoriesMan killed in FBI-involved shooting in south suburbs: agency, family1 hour agoMan killed after crashing into tree in north suburbs ID'd: policeFirm shares renderings of new Bears stadium near White Sox location2 hours ago2 candidates compete for open Illinois 9th Congressional District seat2 hours agoElection officials monitor ballot box threats of enforcement by feds2 hours agoMan killed, another hurt in downtown shooting, CPD says3 hours agoSuburban school board president indicted in federal case: officials2 hours agoAs manhunt for escaped murderer continues, friends and family of victim speak out1 hour ago
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