Randel Thomas Charged With Murdering His Own Child

September 30, 2009

Yet another innocent child has been killed, allegedly murdered at the hands of his father, according to Bolingbrook, Illinois police.  Last Friday, September 25, 2009, a 911 call was received at 2:05 p.m. in that city's emergency dispatch center about a child not breathing.  As a result, an ambulance was sent to a home in the 100 block of Jeffrey Lane where 5-month-old Christopher Thomas was reported by paramedics as unresponsive.  The child was immediately transported to Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital, where he was pronounced dead thirty-eight minutes later.

After Christopher's death, investigators from the police department went to the residence where they found Christopher's father, Randel L. Thomas, 19, along with his grandparents, at home.  Following the autopsy that was conducted the next day, and conferences with the district attorney's office following the interviews, Thomas was arrested on Monday evening, September 28, and taken to the Will County Jail in Joliet where he was charged with first-degree murder in the death of his son.  Bond was set at $5 million on Tuesday, September 29, pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for October 26 at the Will County Courthouse.

According to the results of the autopsy performed by Coroner Patrick K. O'Neil the day after Christopher's death, the child died as a result of being suffocated.  Based on O'Neil's findings and interviews with Randel Thomas and other relatives, the boy allegedly died because of his father "pushing down on the (child's) head with his hand, thereby suffocating him."  Police believe the child had been lying on a bed, and his head had purportedly been pushed face-down into the mattress.

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Christopher, who had been nicknamed "Bookie," had been "an inquisitive little boy," according to relatives.

"Although Christopher was only with us for a short time, he left a big impression on all of us," read a portion of his obituary.  "We will always remember his big eyes and large smile."

"The investigations division is to be commended on their professionalism and dedication during the duration of this case," Chief Kevin McCarthy said after Thomas's arrest.  "As a result of their outstanding efforts, detectives were able to supply the Will County State's Attorney's Office with vital information."

Photo Credit: Police file photo

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Comments

[silverside]

Where is the mom is all this? There's no mention of her at all.

[Evette]

I just don't understand this type of behavior and why so many parents are resorting to taking the lives of their children. A 5-month old...goodness.

[Chris' grandmother]

Silver... his mother was at high school trying to get an education since this scumbag wouldn't work or go back to college his only contribution was to watch the child while she worked 2 jobs and went to school in an effort to stay off public aid which she has.

[Antoinette Hearns]

wow i was told that little christopher died from sids(sudden infant death syndrome) i had no idea that he was murdered! omg this just made be cry for real. Th mother of chris was a really good friend of mine back at west high school. hang in their baby girl your son rest in peace and you will see him again one day. i am so shocked and even hurt even tho i did not get to mee christopher. just thinking about it makes me so mad what if that was my son or niece or nephew. i think i would go crazy!