Anna woman faces charges in connection with child's death

A Union County woman is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of a minor child.

Union County State's Attorney Tyler R. Edmonds  said that Stacey R. Tiffin, 40, of 206 E. Lewis St. in Anna, has been charged with one count of first degree murder.

Edmonds said that Tiffin is charged with "placing her hand over the mouth and nose of the minor child on the evening of September 16, causing the death of the minor child."

Cassandra Paula-Irene Tiffin, the 11-month-old daughter of the suspect, was reported to have died at 10:07 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16, at Union County Hospital in Anna.

The information about the child's death was reported in an obituary from Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Cobden, which handled the funeral arrangements.

Tiffin was arrested Thursday afternoon, Oct. 4, following an investigation by the Union County Sheriff's Office, Illinois State Police and the Union County coroner's office.

The Southern Illinois Child Death Task Force also was activated as part of the investigation.

The task force was created as the result of a state pilot program. The task force can be utilized in an investigation any time the death of a child occurs. The task force brings together a variety of law enforcement personnel and specialists.

Tiffin had her first appearance in Union County Circuit Court in Jonesboro Friday morning, Oct. 5.

At the hearing, Union County Judge Mark Boie set Tiffin's bond at $500,000. Tiffin remains in custody at the Jackson County Jail in Murphysboro. Local attorney Patrick Duffy was appointed to represent Tiffin.

A preliminary hearing in the case has been set for 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, in Union County Circuit Court.

If Tiffin is found guilty, she could face a sentence of mandatory life in prison with no opportunity for release.