Boy, 9, charged with murder in baby's death

A 9-year-old boy was charged with first-degree murder, for allegedly beating a baby to death.

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 14-month-old Taquan Willis died on August 26th. The 9-year-old boy allegedly beat the baby to death, as he was sleeping at his mother's home in Cahokia, Illinois, police said.

The unidentified 9-year-old was charged with first-degree murder in juvenile court last week.

In a vigil, the baby's mother had a message for her little boy.

"I just want everyone to know I loved my baby and I wish he was here," Alisha Johnson said. "I'm going to always miss you Taquan, just know that, and I can't wait to see you again."

Because the alleged murderer is just 9 years old, attorneys cannot release any more information. Family friends said the suspect and the victim were not related.