Melody Townsend Gets Probation in Daughter Ana Maria's 2017 Death
Markham police found the 1-year-old's body in a burned vacant house attic on July 3, 2017, and searched for her mother for five years.
By Amina Kaminski ·
A south suburban mother will spend two years on probation for charges connected to her 1-year-old daughter's 2017 death.
Ana Maria Townsend's body was found wrapped in a blanket in the attic of a burned and vacant house in the 15400 block of Hamlin Avenue in Markham on July 3, 2017, after police and firefighters responded to a suspicious fire. Her death was ruled a homicide. On Wednesday, Melody Townsend received probation for child endangerment and concealing a homicide. Court documents also require her to complete domestic violence counseling and undergo mental health evaluation and treatment.
Ana Maria's grandparents reported Melody Townsend and the baby missing at the time, and detectives spent five years pursuing leads. Markham police announced her arrest in Los Angeles on charges of child endangerment, concealing a homicide, and aiding a fugitive. In January of this year, a suspect was identified, but the actual killer has not been located. Markham police have not said publicly whether the baby's father is involved; he has not been seen since 2017.
On Thursday, advocates were scheduled to gather at the Markham Cook County Courthouse to seek an explanation of the sentencing outcome and an update to the homicide investigation.
