Charges filed against mother of baby found dead in car seat

CHICAGO - Prosecutors have filed criminal charges against the mother of a 7-month-old baby who was found dead in a car seat in a Chicago apartment Wednesday.

CBS Chicago reports Erica Hampton, 25, was charged Thursday with one felony count of child endangerment resulting in a death, and two misdemeanor counts of child endangerment.

A bond hearing is set for Friday.

Authorities say a neighbor found the baby girl unresponsive Wednesday after her 6-year-old sister came next door to ask for food. They say a 2-year-old girl also was in the apartment that appeared to be unheated. No adults were home.

The baby was wrapped in a blanket and snowsuit and lying in a car seat.

All three children were taken to a hospital where the infant was pronounced dead while the two other sisters were evaluated and appeared to be fine.

The Cook County Medical Examiner's office says an autopsy Thursday was inconclusive.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services said it was also investigating