Patrick K. O'Neil, Coroner of Will County, Illinois

September 15, 2017

The Office of Will County Coroner Patrick K. O’Neil is reporting the final cause and manner of death of:

17 month old SEMA'J L. CROSBY who was pronounced deceased on Thursday April 27, 2017 @ 1:27 A.M. at her late residence 309 Louis Road Joliet Township, Will County, Illinois.

CAUSE OF DEATH

After consideration of the circumstances surrounding her death, review of available Department of Children and Family Services reports, police investigation, scene photographs and a complete autopsy examination with ancillary radiologic, microscopic and toxicologic studies the death of this 17 month old female toddler SEMA'J L. CROSBY is classified as ASPHYXIA.

MANNER OF DEATH

Additionally, based on the unusual circumstances surrounding her disappearance and the subsequent discovery of her decomposing body under the couch in her own home, the multiple previous contacts by the Department of Children and Family Services, the suspicious fire at the residence and lack of cooperation from the witnesses the manner of death of this 17 month old SEMA'J L. CROSBY is currently classified as a HOMICIDE.

This case is currently under investigation by the Will County Sheriff’s Police. Anyone with information concerning this death investigation is urged to contact the Will County Sheriff’s Police (815) 727-8574 or Will County Crime Stoppers 1-800-323-6734.