“Who the #$%& let’s their five year old sleep until after one o’clock in the afternoon without trying to wake them up???”

I worked on a case sort-of like this in law school, but the mom was up until 2 a.m. getting drunk and high. She didn’t check the kid for, like, 24 straight hours.

Ugh … this isn’t the first time I’ve heard a story like this, either. That kid “lived” … albeit neurologically devastated.

i just thought for those who have bben following this case they would find interesting the article published today in the pjstar about the boyfriends arrest on federal drug charges.

You people do not know the facts. The media does not always report everything in context and sometimes truth. I WAS sick,I do NOT DO DRUGS..someone WAS watching her. If you knew Silven you would know how wonderful and happy, healthy and precious she was. She was my life, My whole world. We were best friends. I no longer have her in my life. I miss her beyond comprehension. Please do Not think you know everything.

we just do not understand how this can happen to a beautiful little girl and no one seems to have the answers???? people just want to understand. At this point all that can be done is speculate util people talk! the federal drug charges make people think. do you blame them?

All I had to go on when writing this post was the information given in that Journal Star article. Given the timeline in the article, my words were justified. However, if certain information was missing from the article or incorrectly portrayed, you have my deepest apologies and most sincere condolences. I can’t even imagine losing one of my daughters in that manner.

I have to tell you. My Dad was a patient in the ICU at St. Francis Hospital when this little girl was brought in. I felt so sad for the family and for the mother until she came upstairs with a big order of nachos and a large drink from the cafeteria. I thought to myself, “who in the hell could eat anything with their child lying brain dead in a hospital bed?” OMG! I was so sickeded by it all. The mother was something else. At one time she pulled a blanket up over her head and said, “I suppose everyone is going to blame ME for this! All I want to do is get some sleep!” I couldn’t believe it! I was there spending the night with my Mom when they wheeled her out the next morning. Her Grandma was crying, but it really surprised me that no one else really was. I felt as if I could puke. I went over to say good-bye to the Grandma and give her a hug and she said something that really shocked me as well. She said, “If this hadn’t happened, she would not have been baptized and now I’ve been baptized as well. At least three children will be benefitting by getting her organs and one was going to be getting her arm bone.” I just thought that was a weird thing to say. Call me selfish, bu tif that had been MY child…no one would be getting any part of her if her little body had already been through so much. I hope they do get who did this to her rather it be her own mother or the boyfriend. They deserve to rot in prison!

Oh please…you were there and you know exactly what happened to your daughter. The truth will come out eventually!!! You didn’t protect your daughter so you are just as responsible. Maybe if you weren’t so concerned to put your own needs ahead of your daughter’s, she would still be alive today. But you are like so many woman out there who think they need a man…you choose a crystal meth head to be your boyfriend and anywhere near your precious child? Give me a break!

I’m curious about something. Why would a little girl be in the adult ICU when OSF has a pediatric ICU???

They do have a separate pediatric ICU, but all of the ICUs are on the 4th floor and they have one waiting room for all.

Thanks for the clarification.

Participating in Ice Angel are the U.S. Attorney’s Office, sheriff’s departments in Fulton, McDonough and Schuyler counties, the Canton Police Department and the west-central Illinois Task Force.
[...]
The latest arrests include Erin J. Yocum, 32, of Tennessee; Jill R. Goodpasture, 25, of Adair; and Amber D. Bailey, 27, of Colchester. All appeared Thursday in U.S. District Court on charges of conspiracy to distribute meth.
[...]
Yocum is the mother of Silven Yocum, 5, who died at a Peoria hospital in September from blunt force trauma to the back of her head. The girl’s death was later ruled a homicide by a Peoria County coroner’s jury, but no arrests have been made in the case. Yocum’s boyfriend, Daniel R. Belknap, 29, of rural Macomb is already being held on related charges. Chambers confirmed his arrest was also part of Operation Ice Angel. During a bond hearing, he was called a ‘prime suspect’ in the investigation of Silven Yocum’s death.

The above quotes come from the Saturday, February 10th Edition of the Peoria Journal Star. The entire story can be found here.The truth will come out. She didn’t do drugs, she just distributed meth. And I still maintain that she knows exactly what happened to her daughter. She did it, her boyfriend did it, or a combination of both, but the truth will eventually come out! Thank you.

DeanaO,

I consolidated your posts into one and edited out some of the material from the JS article that didn’t really relate to Yocum. I don’t want to get into copyright battles with local media over republishing too much of their content. I think I preserved your desired statement.

Thank you Knight. I am very anxious to see what develops in this case and what the outcome will be. I still think about that little girl and what she must have gone through. It’s a tragedy for sure.

I am the Grandma and I know NOTHING of this conversation. Mom is a very ill diabetic..would not have been eating nachos. Our family is devastated. Why do I read this stuff? It only hurts

Ohhhh pleeease. Wake up and smell the coffee

You people are so cruel.

OH please mom your right we dont know all the facts you and your boyfriend are the only ones who do. So why havent you told them everything? you havent or this case would be closed! You or Mr Belknap know what happened its very obvious to everyone. And dont tell me you havent been doing drugs yeh right. Maybe your diabeties wouldnt be so bad if you werent taking all the meth. You cant tell me you lived with him and didnt do any drugs!! Do you think we are all stupid. I think its sad that Silven died and you and Mr Belknap are getting a break with the whole Ice Angel thing she sure didnt get a break. You both should be put in prison. You both were there and both should be held responsible for her death and the meth. So what were you doing all that time that she was sleeping? You werent taking care of your daughter thats for sure. So come on mom lets here the facts that you said the press is not telling! lets get this over with and all out in the open. Oh and one more thing you said someone was watching her who was that? Was it the meth head Belknap or you? I dont know how any mother would let their kid sleep that long if they were sick! So you must of been doing something else.what was that? and if you went to check on your kid why didnt you have your glasses on? thats what it said in the paper, That would be stupid to try and see something without glasses on? I think that was a just a lie. So lets here it what are the facts?!

Cruel was the unnecessary death of a 5 Year old.

Thank You oh Please. Well Said.

I was thinking…….mom you said that Silven was sick right?…. So at the least I think you should be charged with at least child endangerment or neglect because you obviously did not check on your child for hours when she was supposibly sick and you had her in a place were she should of never been. or was she really sick? and you were just to @#%@ed up to remember what actually happened because you do take drugs!!! They should just throw the book at both of you and just forget you because you forgot Silven that night.I think murder charge would be more like it.

I am the one who made the comment about the nachos and my enire family was there and can confirm that story. If that were MY child lying there brain dead because SOMEONE had beat her to death…you can bet your a** I wouldn’t be able to eat a damn thing. I would be heaving my guts out, sick to death that I allowed this to happen. Quit making excuses for her! Whether she did it OR the boyfriend, she is responsible…she’s her Mother and should have protected her. I was there at the hospital when Silven’s real Daddy came up and screamed at Erin that she would be going to prison! That’s the best place for her. Hmph…dating a guy on meth, but you don’t do it yourself…what a crock! Whoever did this (and God knows what happened to that poor baby) will definitely get theirs someday!

I was there when Erin hollered at her family that she was tired and just wanted to get some sleep and also told her family, “I suppose everyone is going to blame me for this!” Damn straight!

I was very pleased to find this discussion board today. I am a father of a small child and was devastated to hear what happened to Silven in September. I put it on my Outlook calendar to pop up every week to remind me until charges were brought against someone. I suppose I did this because it was around election time and due to the circumstances I felt it would get swept under the rug. I felt a responsibility to this little girl to ensure that justice was served because I guessed that no one in her family would. It is an understatement to say that what happened is a shame, but a tragedy of almost equal signifigance that is occuring is the lack of public outcry in this matter. Where is our local law enforcement? What could possibly be causing this investigation to go on so long? How safe does it make you feel? How safe are children or anyone else in this community? Can you commit murder and get away with it? Where is the local media coverage? Why aren’t they keeping this in the public’s attention until it is addressed? The questions go on and on. This message board has given me hope today. Hope that Silven will not be forgotten. I agree that all responsible should be held accountable. I do not know enough about the law, but I think in cases like this (especially those against children) that there should be a provision in the law that all parties involved can be charged with murder if they are not cooperating. I certainly believe they all belong in prison for the rest of their lives. Maybe the members of this discussion group can write to our legislators if anyone agrees with me. Perhaps it could be called “Silven’s Bill”. Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you for not letting this issue die like Silven was allowed too.

This is for Deana O - Just so you know, Silven’s real daddy is in prison, has been for years. As for Concerned Citizen, seems like it has been swept under the rug, more prison time will be handed out for the meth than for Silvens death. She will never be forgotten, I can promise you that.

I was told that it was her father who came up to the ICU Waiting Room and screamed at Erin that she would be going to prison…so it wasn’t…sounds like Erin really knows how to pick ‘em then, huh? Some young man came up and screamed that at her. Everyone in that waiting room felt so sorry for the family. At least there was someone (whoever this young man was) who showed a little emotion about this little girl and the loss of her life. Her own mother certainly didn’t care.

On Friday, June 8th, I sent an e-mail to WGEM, KHQA, The Macomb Journal, The Eagle, The Peoria Journal Star and The Western Courier. I asked someone to do a follow-up on this story to put pressure on the authorities to bring someone to justice. As of this morning the only response I have received was an out of office reply. I am going to start sending this e-mail once a week until I deem it is no longer necessary. I would encourage all of you that are interested to do the same.

Danny cant stay in prison for ever and his old friends will be glad to see him. It is to bad that grandma is still believing that mom isnt on drugs but grandma and greatgrandpa are always there to make things right. Someday when mom realizes that her baby got hurt in such a terrible way the truth will come out or she will O.D. in shame. I just hope others will see the pain and agony that meth causes to the family and friends!

I agree with madmuthertrucker…Grandma acts like Erin is squeeky clean. I understand that she is just trying to defend her daughter, but who was there to defend her granddaughter? Come on Grandma and Great Grandpa, were you just blind, or do you think every good mother lives like Erin did? Your daughter is just as much, if not MORE responsible for Silvens death as Danny is. A mother’s job is to protect her child, not her boyfriend. Let’s stop trying to make Erin out to be an angel and lets get to the truth.

Just to let you know the person who was thought to be Silvies daddy was the closest person to being her daddy. He loved her and cared for her as his own and stuck around as long as he did for her. I thank those of you who are still here for holding on to Silvie and her Justice. I pray every day that Justice will be served. I hope this is also an eye opener for others who either have been envolved with drugs or have questions of someone on them. The would have, could have, Should haves will haunt me forever. Unfortunatly it will never bring her back to us. Forever in my heart Silven Iris will stay.

Deana- I know what you saw and heard at the hospital and know how u feel. And yes she did have the doritos and did say the things you heard etc,….I just wanted to let you know that you absolutly heard and saw correctly. Sad huh?

Has anyone heard where this is all at with the investigation? I havent heard anything in such a long time and Im afraid that this issue has been forgotten (with the police) and more concentrated on the drug issue. Someone needs to pay for what happened.why has there been no arrest made? I mean it is ovious to everyone who is to blam!!! Why cant anything be done? There were only 2 people there they both are at fault what is the hold up?

Wish I Knew???? The waiting and wondering is horrible. Silven needs justice!

Sad to say it has been ten months since Silven was injured mon will be 10 mo since she died. It makes me ill to think about it!

I have still been contacting the local media to get this back into the public attention. Sadly, Only WGEM and The Eagle replied. WGEM just acknowledged my e-mail and The Eagle reporter said there was nothing to report. It disgusts me that it doesn’t occur to them that the story is that this little girl has been gone so long now and no charges have been filed. It makes me wonder if any of these people have children. Is this an unsafe county for children? When I contacted the sheriff’s office they said her picture was on their door and they had not forgotten about her. I still find it ubelievable and grow more disatisfied with them every day. I hope when and if charges are filed they have a reasonable explanation for the delay. I assume it has something to do with the drug investigation, but I am losing confidence.

Ten Months today and still waiting. Incredibly sickening isn’t it. We will never forget you Silvie.

I just hope that Erin will never sleep a night the rest of her life!! knowing what happened and not doing a damn thing about it!!! You make me sick Erin!!! How can a mother let this happen and not be a the front steps of the police station every single day beating down the door until something has been done to bring the person who did this to my child to justice?!!!!You were not a real mother!! real mothers dont let this happen!!! and then not say anything blows my mind!!! How can you even breath,eat,sleep anything knowing what happened to your little girl and you arent doing anything about it!!! You were there why didnt you stop it? Why didnt you protect your baby? why why why why why why!!!!!!Silvie you will be in the hearts of many forever!!

My son went to school with this Angel. He was in love with her. Well, as much as a five year old could be. I went to the school three times a week and spent time with mine and he was always with her. She was absolutely beautiful. I didn’t see any signs of abuse/neglect. I’m not professional though. She was quiet, but her personality came out through the children around her. I saw her play and she was the best behaved child there. I don’t know if that was due to intimidation, but she was a blessing to be around. We moved away, and my son wrote her letters. He talked about her all the time. Little ones don’t forget things like that. It really surprised me the kinds of emotions he showed toward her. We moved back in September of last year, and read about it. We read about it the day that I was going to take my son to visit his friends at that school. (Mostly Silven) He was devastated. For the longest time, and still occasionally, he will say a prayer for her at the dinner table or during church. I’ve caught him talking out loud, telling her that he misses her. I’ve been criticized for telling him the truth, but I couldn’t lie to him. He wanted to see her, and he was very sure that he was going to. I love my child, and I’m not afraid to teach him about things that can possibly hurt him. I believe it will make him a stronger man, and he will learn how to deal with things on his own better. She is greatly missed, by everyone. I hope that justice is brought soon, I know that my husband or I would probably be in jail if someone did this to our child. We all love you Silvie, and always will!

Oh Thank you sooooo much “Mommy too”. I cannot express how wonderful it is to hear the sweetness of your experience with Silvie. In her short time here she sure was special and touched so many. There are a couple of books i could suggest for your little guy if you would like???
Bless you and give your litte guy a huge hug. It sounds to me silvie was very fortunate to have such a good buddy!

I have not forgotten about this precious little girl and I will never forget the experience of being up in the ICU Waiting Room with her family. I just don’t understand why it is taking so long to find a solution in this case. It breaks my heart to think that she died in this manner and justice is not being served. I will never in my life forget her. I think of her often when I am holding my own daughter or son and think about how awful it was that no one saved her. Her mother and her boyfriend know what happened to her and one of them could have confessed by now. It does sadden me to think that her own mother won’t tell what she knows. Is Erin still in jail? The last I heard, she was arrested, too.

My sister was at the ICU the morning that the family came in. I remember my sister telling me what had happened when I came in. She said that the boyfriend had beat Erin’s little girl and she was fighting for her life. We felt so sorry for Erin that we gave up our seats so she could lie down and get some rest (reclining chairs were a hot commodity in the waiting room). If only we had known. I truly felt sorry for the family until I spent the night at the ICU and I saw Erin’s actions for myself. There is no way in hell that I could eat a single bite if my child had been harmed in that way. I would be sick to my stomach and dry heaving thinking I didn’t protect my child. I wouldn’t even want to go on living.

I guess I don’t know what else to say…I am like all of you in waiting for an answer. I do a search on here all the time hoping that some new information is presented, but it is always the same news that was reported initially. I will continue to check this site and continue to pray that justice will eventually be served. Silven certainly deserves that.

Yes she does deserve justice. I have to keep my faith and pray every day we are getting closer. I keep pushing and contacting our state senator, emailing numerous places and hoping someone, anyone will push this along. I am happy so many arrests have been and I think continue to happen envolving her case. If I had one wish besides of course Silvie still living and being a happy HEALTHY little girl it would be that no other child would ever be hurt by drugs or an adult again. So if we have to wait a little longer for justice I will deal but it unfortunatly doesn’t make it any easier. Each day sucks. Silvie would be turning six on Wed the 25th so all your added prayers and faith that her case will be solved and justice served soon will be appreciated. We have to keep our faith. Knowing she is safe with god does ease the pain a little but it still isn’t the same and never will be without her.

oh, and Erin was arrested but released for rehab but is out on the weekends. Pretting illing huh???

Thank you so much wake up…I’d love to show him some books. He’s got a lot to deal with. His uncle was just shot to death in Romona, CA. There’s another thing I have to tell him. That’s a very sad story also, he was a Navy Sailor, and worked part time at K-mart. Some kid decided to steal and when confronted by our friend, shot him. That’s going to be hard, he’s barely over this.

Please let me know, anything will help my little guy!

Oh I am so sorry. No words can express how bad I feel for you. I will send the book titles to you this afternoon. I am sorry I have not been here the last couple of days. My prayers are with you and your family. Hug that little guy of yours real tight.
How we wish we could give BIG loves to Silvie today on her 6th B-day. Hug her, hold her, kiss her cheeks, feel her angelic skin, run my hands through her hair smell it and sing her Happy Birthday and celebrate with her. To see the twinkle in her eyes. She was soooo beautiful.

Happy Birthday Silven Iris Yocum. We love you baby girl, forever and ever always.

Finally I have the book info for you. “When Dinosauras Die” by Marc Brown. This one is really one of the best ones I have seen. I think you will be very pleased with it & “What is Heaven” by Marie Shriver. Which I like for all ages.
I have been thinking of you and your family.Keep your strength and faith. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Dear Pubah,
As your birthday passed, you were in all of our thoughts. Your sweet spirt touched us in your short precious life. Our hearts will never be the same in your death. I personally have a hole in my heart and will never be the same again. I am glad that we were a part of your life. We are better people for knowing you and watching you grow. The Lord had plans for you my dear, bigger than we all could have known. You are with sweet Jesus in Heaven,(give Kitty Ding Ding a squeeze for me will ya?) Happy Birthday Silvie.

JUSTICE FOR SILVEN

Does anyone realize that atleast once Erin had been reported to the cops on an incident that involved Silvie not wanting to stay with her mother when she was high? Why had DCFS not been contacted by the cops to investigate?????? Maybe her life could have been spared.

It sounds as if there have been other incidents where DCFS sould have been notified by the local police and they were not. Do we have a local problem?????? I personally think things should be looked in to. If there is a flaw in the system it needs to be fixed so no one has to go through the loss of a child again.

Belknap was supposed to be sentenced last friday for his meth arrest, but it got postponed until october for some reason.

Just wondering…

Do you know if the police were ever contacted about the prior incidents?? If the police aren’t contacted, they can’t contact DCSF! Do you KNOW DCFS was never contacted? Have you ever seen DCFS at work? Did you know, at least as far as I know (and if there is someone out there that knows the DCFS policy, please correct me) they generally will not investigate an allegation if it is the first? I believe they need multiple complaints before they will act. And try calling them in the middle of the night…see what kind of results you get!

Did you stop to think the police have more on their plate than this? While this is a HUGE case and does deserve priority, all of the other cases/problems in the county deserve attention too. And investigations take MUCH longer in real life than they do on CSI or Law and Order! McDonough County does not have its own crime lab, so evidence needs to be sent off to, I believe, Peoria or Springfield and sometimes takes months to receive results! There are also A LOT of interviews to be conducted and sometimes it takes days or weeks to track down the person to be interviewed. And when you have multiple investigations with only a few investigators, it takes time! I know it is hard, but please be patient. The wheels of justice turn slowly, but they do turn! And you can be certain the the person/people responsible for this will be held accountable whether it be on this Earth or when they meet their Maker!

Has a date been schedualed for Belknap’s trial??? Anyone know?

belknaps trial happened this spring, he plead guilty to making meth and faces a minimum of ten years. he was supposed to be sentenced in august but it got pushed back.

Hallallua! Today is a beautiful day we are getting closer! The Grand Jury is being formed!
Miss you so much Silvie!

Grand jury called upon in girl’s death
Death of Macomb child last year was ruled a homicide
Thursday, August 30, 2007
BY JODI POSPESCHIL
OF THE JOURNAL STAR
MACOMB - McDonough County State’s Attorney James Hoyle announced Wednesday a grand jury will be convened this fall as part of the investigation into the death of a 5-year-old girl last year.
Silven Yocum died Sept. 16 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, six days after she was flown there from Macomb. A Peoria County coroner’s jury later ruled her death was a homicide.
An autopsy showed the girl had bruises on her head and over her body. She died of blunt-force head trauma to the back of her head.
Hoyle said the grand jury will be convened sometime this fall. He declined to release other details about the case or the investigation.
The last time a grand jury was convened in McDonough County was in 1996.
McDonough County Sheriff Rick VanBrooker said Wednesday he appreciates the calling of a grand jury.
“We’re all committed to bringing the person responsible for this death to justice,” he said. “It’s our responsibility to do everything possible to seek the answers in this death.”
No one has yet been charged in the case.
But the little girl’s death has come up during the federal drug case, part of Operation Ice Angel, filed against her mother’s boyfriend, Daniel Belknap, 30.
Silven Yocum’s mother, Erin Yocum, 32, also has been charged as part of that drug investigation.
Erin Yocum called 911 the afternoon of Sept. 10 from her boyfriend’s home in rural Industry to report her daughter was having a seizure. She testified during the inquest that her daughter had been sick, and she let her sleep late that morning.
During a bond hearing in Belknap’s drug case, prosecutors called him a “prime suspect” in Silven Yocum’s death.
Belknap’s attorney argued police should look more closely at Erin Yocum, because she left her child sleeping for at least 16 hours before she checked on her.
Belknap has since pleaded guilty to conspiring to make methamphetamine. He is scheduled to be sentenced in October in federal court. He faces between five and 40 years in federal prison.
Jodi Pospeschil can be reached at 686-3041 or state@pjstar.com.

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me, and I”m not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me,

I wish so much you wouldn’t cry the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things we didn’t get to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me, I know you’ll miss me to;

But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand
That an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand,

And said my place was ready, in heaven far above,
And that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,
For all life, I’d always thought, I didn’t want to die.

I had to much to live for, so much yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you.

So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart,
For every time you think of me, I’m right here, in your heart.

Silven, until today, I had never heard of you. I came across the memorial page posted by Jennifer. That lead me to search for answers as to who killed you. As I see on here, still no one has been held responsible. That breaks my heart. You deserve justice, and other children that my encounter the evil that killed you deserve protection.

I will follow this case until the end. And I hope whoever hurt you and whoever allowed it to happen get whats coming to them..they need to remember..what goes around comes around.

Rest easy, wee angel…you have soldiers down here that will fight for you.

To Amanda,
That was beautiful. Thank you for your support. She is and was an angel.

I also want to thank you Amanda.

I never had the chance to meet the beautiful little girl that some dumb@55 individuals couldn’t get away from their fu##in drugs long enough to care for. Erin not using drugs makes me want to laugh. If she doesn’t use drugs then why is she in rehab??? Why has she had problems with drugs since she was a teenager? People like her and fu##in Belknap deserve to get exactly what this sweet little girl was given. Too bad the law didn’t state an eye for an eye. Yea, Belknap is narcin out all these other drug dealers (which don’t get me wrong is a good thing) but, his a## probably won’t ever get charged with murder. SOMEONE needs to pay. Its pretty sad it has been almost 1 year and NO ONE HAS BEEN ARRESTED FOR THE MURDER of this little girl. Why is that??? If Erin didn’t want the RESPONSIBLITY of Silven I’m sure there are people out there that would of taken her in and loved her unlike her supposed mother. I could go on and on it just disgusts me that people like Erin can procreate. Even if Erin & Danny Belknap go to prison for the rest of their lives it will not be enough punishment. I hope they both rot in hell! To Silven, I never knew you but you are safe now. I’m sorry you had to go through so much pain. I would have helped somehow if only I knew what was going on as I’m sure so many other people would have helped you if they only knew what was happening to you. You poor little thing. I hope to someday meet you in heaven.

September 9th 2007,

I can’t believe it has been a year tomorrow since she was murdered. Oh how me and my daughter miss her. They were like sisters and no-one should have to explain to their child why things like this happen. Silven always had a smile on her face every time I seen her in the back seat of her Daddy’s car (the young man that was seen yelling at Erin in the waiting room) what makes me sick is that noone really ever has given this young man credit for being her daddy after-all he is the one that took care of Silven all of her life and loved her like she was his own. I didn’t spend alot of time with Silvie but when I did oh what a doll! She was the most loving little girl I have ever met how anyone could even think about hurting such a sweet innocent little angel I will never know. We celebrated her birthday and wrote a note a sent it off in bottle with 6 purple balloons in her memory because as long as we live we will never forget such a beautiful spirited person. She left us all so prematurely but I am so glad she touched our lives and I am so happy people do care and I too hope justice is served. SOMEBODY has to pay for this senseless crime and it is truley not my place to judge anyone but someday they will face their true judge and that’s GOD.

a year ago today you lay helpless in the hospital bed. you indured more than any child or person should ever have to. I pray god held you and protected you from all the pain. you are safe now in heaven. we will continue to fight for you here on earth.
i love you silvie angel

Its been a year today. What a sad day.
I know she is playing hard and having fun in heaven!

I cant wait for justice for this sweet little girl!

missing you really bad today silvie.

I thought Sylvie’s real dad was in prison. Who is the young man that yelled at her and had her in his car?

there is one wonderful man andy who was with silvie most of her life and took a large part in raising silvie until danny belknap came into the picture. he stayed as long as he did for silvie. he loved her as his own.

WHAT happened to innocent until PROVEN guilty. All you interested people leaving your comments under the cloak of anonymity are awful brave. I know Danny Belknap and I know what kind of person he is deep down. He is not a murderer, even if he was doing drugs at the time. He comes from an exceptional family who would help anyone. I think people need to be looking at the responsible party, the mother and her siblings/family, that has proven time and time again that she is not responsible. I have and will continue to give Danny my full support and when charges are filed against the pertinent and responsible parties, everyone will owe some apolgies to what these RUMORS and inuendos have done to those who care for Danny. He has taken responsibility for the crime he committed and is currently doing his time. And as for his narking out all these drug dealers, I SERIOUSLY doubt that. How about all the hypocritical bastards that narked him out including his own cousin and best friends for most of his previously life. They’ll get there day someday as well.

What difference does it make what kind of person he is? If he was high on drugs and grabbed and shook this little girl or hit her head on something that caused her death, he is guilty! Her mother is just as guilty whether she actually committed this crime or she stood by and allowed it to happen. I have no sympathy for either one of them. What about Silven? Do you even think about her and what she went through? What could she (or any other child for that matter) have done to merit such abuse??? There is nothing!!! No child should ever have to be subjected to that. I talked to the Grandmother right before Silven was to die (when they decided to pull the plug) and she told me that Erin was lying in bed with her stroking her hair. Boy, what a comfort. I know one thing, I wouldn’t want to go on living if someone ever did something so terrible to my child OR if I sat back and allowed it to happen. Silven’s life is gone and these two still living. Tell me how you can justify that? It’s still a crime whether he’s done good things in his life or not. I hope they both get what they have coming to them.

Yeah, so what if he makes meth? He comes from an exceptional family and is a really good guy even if he does get high! I was at the hospital with my Dad the whole time Silven was there (at St. Francis) and I saw and heard it all. My stomach still churns thinking about it. The truth of the matter is that Erin and Danny were both there at the time of her death and either one of them could have come forward and told what they know. They’re both guilty for that reason alone! He’s an upstanding citizen even if he was distributing meth. Heck, a guy’s gotta make a living, huh? >

That prior post didn’t get my last line which should read:

**insert exasperated eye roll here**

I’ll tell you again, Deana O, (insert exasperated eye roll here), you obviously missed the entire fucking point. He was always and still is a good person and he did not do this. He earned a living, always working, 1st as a laborer, then as a bricklayer, then at Lavadiere Construction, not making a living distributing meth. I know he had nothing to do with this. He was always good around children. And if I read the prior posts correctly, there were FOUR adults involved with access to the child. If you had any common sense or medical knowledge about head injuries, you would also know that there onset is not immediate most of the time! IN MORE SIMPLE TERMS, even you might understand, that means this insult could have occurred 24 hours before her symptoms became apparent. DAH! Did she fall, have an accident, or even perhaps a unreported car accident, etc., etc., etc. You know children do have accidents. Who all was present in the days before this also should be looked at as suspects instead of just assuming it was Danny. If Danny doesn’t know anything he can’t very well come forward with information can he? Or would you just like him to make something up so you can have something juicy to read about online?

One thing to correct Danny was NEVER at the hospital with Silven. You would think if he was such a caring person he would have been???? Interesting huh???
Not to mention a great person does drugs and also sells them right? Are you aware of what meth does to people. Pretty outstanding person he is right???

You can think what you’d like. Why if he is such an outstanding citizen is he even in jail right now for meth? The outstanding or exceptional citizens that I know don’t deal with drugs in any capacity! Let’s be realistic here. He’s not sitting in jail for no reason. He doesn’t know anything? That’s improbable. I am a teacher as well as a Mother of two young children so please don’t talk to me as if I know nothing about children. My kids are safe and they come first in my life in EVERYTHING I do (as all children and their needs should)! If he had nothing to do with it, was dating Erin at the time, and was such an EXCEPTIONAL person, then why didn’t he show HIS face at the hospital? You would think he would want to be there for his wonderful girlfriend and her child. Now is that all in terms that YOU can understand? And one last thing, to imply that I am waiting for some juicy bit of information to come out of all of this is insane. As I stated before, my stomach just churns with the thought that precious little baby girl endured all of that pain and suffering at the hands of some doped up adult. Can you even begin to imagine the pain that she experienced and then she was left to sleep for all of those hours before Erin even called for help??? Was Danny not there at the time? Was he the one who called for help for her? Maybe not, but it’s been stated that he was there at his house when help was FINALLY called. Someone knows exactly what happened to her and would rather save their own ass than to confess to what they’ve done. They’ll get theirs someday and if it’s not here down on earth, it will surely be in God’s hands as he knows what happened as well!

Are you a doctor or even a parent for that matter? Obviously not. To make lame excuses about her injuries is only inuslting little Silven further. An unreported car accident? It would have had to be some accident to cause the injuries that she sustained. You would think someone MAY have noticed!

And what did his cousins or friends have on Belknap to nark him out? He’s a great guy so what in the hell would they have on him to even nark him out at all? That is definitely common sense! You must have been in that car accident, too and hit YOUR head!!!

THank you Deana O.

Some teacher you are. As a matter of fact I am a mother and my child goes without nothing and comes before everything. And yes I am in the medical field and your statements show how ignorant you are. I am not insulting that little girl either. I am stating that there is SOMEONE else to blame here. And obviously you do not know Danny. As I first stated, Danny is in jail for his crime now, one of which he plead guilty to and admitted to and will probably do more time for than any murderer. So he owned up to his crime, have you ever given a thought to the fact that he doesn’t know anything or does not want to narc out the individual who does. I am not excusing Danny in any way but I am sure in the hell not going to sit back and let you badger him any further. And this very well could have been an accident on the trampoline that was initially believed to be the cause of her head injury. Don’t insult my intelligence. Danny was not with Erin that long prior to this so why is he expected to be such a instant doting father to this child in the capacity of being at the hospital. It was my understanding that he was kept away by the grandmother, Erin’s mom, and was not allowed to go into the ICU. I like to “hit your head”.
Furthermore, his friends and cousin were involved in the meth as well but saved their asses by narking on him since they had children and made a deal to stay out of jail. Seems like ALL guilty parties should do the time to me, not plea bargain.

so if he doesn’t know anything that is one thing but a innocent child was MURDERED!!!! If he knows something who cares who he has to narc on!!!!! Freaking insane if something were to be kept secret about that. Danny didn’t even follow the ambulance to the hospital did he???? HOw would have g-ma stopped that??? he didn’t even try.
an instant doting father NO, but a concerened human being i would sure as hell think he would have been??? Especially seems how she was at HIS house and he was there! Sounds like a line of crap to me.

I haven’t inserted my opinion in on this post in a long time. I’ve kept it going as sort of a discussion board for those who have a strong interest in this topic. However, I’d like to interject a few points at this time.

One - the likelihood that a fatal head injury would take 24 hours to manifest itself is slim to nil. There is a type of head injury called an epidural hemorrhage that can take several hours to manifest itself after the injury. But 24 hours? That’s about as likely as someone getting hit by a falling asteroid tomorrow. That is the medical opinion of a pediatrics-trained M.D. who has seen way too many children like Silven.

Two - there is a criminal justice system in this country. While this justice system is not perfect, the idea that people are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty is a pretty damn good one. That little fact is ignored far too often in our society, and people are crucified before all the facts are known. Silven was murdered, and four people had access to her at the time. That’s all we know at this point.

Three - this commentary about “narking” is extremely disturbing to me. If someone is engaging in serious criminal behavior - especially around a child - it is the DUTY of those who witness this to reveal such crimes to the police. What is this … the grade school playground??? If someone is committing a serious crime around a child, you turn them in! Keeping silent in that situation is immoral.

Four - all of the main contenders in this recent discussion have made valid points. The insults now flying back and forth are infantile and unnecessary. Cut it out … or I’ll shut this down.

Defender, allow me to correct a lot of your misgivings. I knew both parties. I am not hiding behind a cloak of anonymity. I have known Erin as far back as my memory allows me. She is my step-cousin. I spent most of my childhood idolizing her. Eventually, that person disappeared and became totally unrecognizable for reasons I will never be able to wrap my mind around. Unfortunately, I have known Danny for a long time. Obviously much better than you do. As for your statement regarding his attitude toward children, you are sadly mistaken. Danny could not stand to be around children, let alone people at times. He found that children were too needy, and he didn’t ‘have time for that sh!t’. Danny could at times be a charismatic person, I’m sure you can agree there. However, those who truly know him, knew this was only a mask to get what he wanted. I am not writing to condemn either party. I am not writing to support either party. As for her siblings and family. I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t point fingers at people you undoubtedly know nothing about. Her brother and her ENTIRE family had so much love for Silvie from the moment we found out she was going to be a part of our lives, it’s disgusting that you would stoop so low as to suggest such bullsh!t.

Apparently you are so well aquainted with Danny, you are aware that the situation remains he is very forth-coming regarding the Meth charges, but will make absolutely no comment regarding what happened to Silvie. I find myself questioning, why, if he is innocent he wouldn’t be forth-coming about an accident prior to Silvie being taken to the hospital that would have led to her injuries. Wouldn’t it be so much easier for him to say, if there was a car accident, there was. To take the minor consequences that accompany failure to report such accident, when he faces time for the Meth.
Furthermore, if you are in the medical field, you would be aware of the fact that the injuries Silvie sustained could not have been from falling off a trampoline.

It angers me beyond words can express that beautiful little girl, the little girl you don’t seem to consider in this situation, was thrust into that lifestyle of dangerous drugs. Which may or may not be beside the point. How can you defend a man that carried out drug related activity in a home he shared with a child? Being in the medical field, please share with us all the side-effects that come with someone who is using drugs? Are they happy-go-lucky?! I don’t think so. That little girl, that went through more than you or I, or anyone else should never have to go through. Her life was stolen from her, but all you seem to be concerned about is the image that Danny has been given by the public, who interpreted what little news was available in this case. Innocent until proven guilty may be the way the legal system approaches things, however, as Americans it is our freedom to express our opinions, based on the KNOWLEDGE we have. You appear to be lacking substantial knowledge regarding this case. This has nothing to do with the status of Danny’s family. I’m sure they suffer just as my family has through out this last year, waiting… We wait, through the days filled with tears praying that someday we will know why she had to suffer.

Well said Manda Yo!!!
Although I don’t know Danny and don’t know Erin very well, I have had a sibling who was addicted to meth and she too served her time and there is no way in hell I would of ever left my child in her care during her years of drug use. When people are addicted to meth that is pretty much the only thing that matters to them.It is like a disease that takes over and getting high is the only thing that matters-nothing or NOBODY ELSE!!Obviously neither Erin or Danny thought about Silvens’ safety or she would of never been around that kind of environment. I just think of the amount of clean up a meth lab takes when one is busted-the Hazmat team has to be called in to clean it up for Gods sake, and to think Silven was probably exposed to those types of things makes me sick-isn’t that in itself child endangerment??? I have met Erin’s family and I am positive any-one of them would of gladly taken Silvie off of her hands until she cleaned up. So so many people loved that little girl things could of been so different . I am not on anyones side but Silven’s and I know she probably wouldn’t want any of us judging her mother but it is so hard for me not too when I have two girls of my own and couldn’t imagine either of them being in a situation where something like this could happen. I couldn’t imagine waking up every morning knowing I would never see my babies alive and thriving and laughing and playing again- I would not want to live one day without them in my life, they are my life!!! I just hope the truth comes out and I pray everyday for it and for the strength to not be judgemental of Erin or Danny and it is definetly a work in progress for me.

All I hope to see come out of this is the truth… Whatever it may be…

Well said…I, too am not here to argue with anyone. I believe that everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I am also entitled to mine. As for implying that I or anyone responding to these messages would gather any kind of thrill from reading about this story, well, that’s just ludicrous. My judgment is based upon what I witnessed at the hospital. My mind has not been changed in any way and I think that any person with the slightest bit of compassion towards another human being would be touched by Silven’s story in the same way. It does stir many emotions. It is always heart-wrenching when a child dies, but in this case it is even moreso because of the way she died. It was all so senseless and so unnecessary. And there is no way to bring her back.

I try to forget about it because to be quite honest with you, this story makes me ill. My stomach churns when I think about what she must have gone through and the pain she must have endured. Every time my daughter climbs up on my lap while I am watching t.v., or my son comes to sit next to me, I think about Silven and how awful it is that no one could save her in time. I rub my daughter’s little arm and think about how Silven’s arm bone was given to another child and how she was buried without hers. Although that is a good thing, I’m not so sure that I could do that knowing that my little baby had already endured so much pain and suffering and that her little body had already been through so much. I think I would not want to put her body through more. I would want to leave it as it was. (That is the Mother in me talking. I know it’s selfish. Other Mothers will understand).

I would think that if her Mother did this to her, she would owe it to Silven to confess and accept her punishment and if she didn’t do it, she knows who did so she should do what’s right by Silven and tell what she knows. She owes Silven that much.

I do realize that little Silven wasn’t buried, but cremated. I am sure her mother wanted it that way so no further evidence against her or Danny could come out in future investigations.

Still have you in my thoughts Silven…

still missing you baby girl.

Spent the day thinking of you and missing you yesterday Silvie. There are so many of us anxious for justice and I believe there will be and soon.
xoxoxoxox

Anyone heard any thing new about the case?

The Grand Jury was to convene Monday but I am not sure how long before a decision will be made? Hopefully not long!!!
The Federal conviction for Danny has been reschedualed for Dec.

Ok Ive been a little out of the loop lately so catch me up they had a grand jury for what Silven or the drug charges? and the federal conviction is for what the drug charges? Will Erin get charged too? She should with something!! So has anyone heard yet if the Grand Jury is back yet? I wouldnt think it would take this long. So what will this do when the grand jury comes back? Sorry for all the questions but like I said I havent been on here for a while and I dont understand some of this.

I am sure glad that you are not a juror. That is not the way our justice system works. Do you know of all the evidence? Do you know the facts? Do you know Erin? Do you think she has suffered more than any human should have to? You must not make such hateful accusations if you do not know. God will be very unhappy that you make such accusations about someone who has lost everything. Think long and hard about how mean you are. Is that the way you want to be. Does it make you feel good? Silven loved her Mommy don’t you think? Erin loved her the way every Mother loves her child, don’t you think? Erin may have made some bad choices about who she was to be with but in the couple of months she was with him could she have known what he had done in 2004? That is what the drug charges are for after all. Not for now.

No. Not the way EVERY mother loves her child. Some mothers love their children too much to ever get addicted to drugs because they want to be there 100% for them. Some mothers love their children too much to ever let their own lovelife jeopordize their childs future. Some mothers love their children too much to let them go more than a few hours sleeping without checking on them, sick or not. There is no doubt Silven’s mother loved her and has suffered. Silven’s mother knew what her boyfriend was doing all the time and those who try to make light of this are talking foolish or in denial. Nothing is going to bring little Silven back, but a message has to be sent to others in this world who think you can hurt an innocent child and get away with it, if you just don’t talk or have an answer.

Almost all of our “accusations” or statements made in this blog are a combination of emotions and facts, but we must not allow emotions to take over completely. Some are statements are factual, some are not, some are a mix of both fact and fiction. We all know that a young girl lost her life, which affected many more lives than anyone could have imagined (that is a fact). I would like to address three persons that posted comments: defender, DeanaO, and MandaYo.

To “defender”: I “assume” from the emotional support of Danny Belknap that you are a very close friend or even family. You must stop and look at the facts, FACT: Danny admitted using and selling “meth” and is in Federal custody (PJS) FACT: Danny absolutely REFUSES to speak with authorities about what happened to Silven and has been defined as a “prime suspect” in her death investigation(PJS).FACT: Meth users are “unpredictable” (USDOJ) when they are high, so we cannot “assume” his sweet personality that surfaced when he was around children in the past would have been the same when he was using Meth. FACT: “Narc” is a term only used by drug users to describe other drug users they don’t like, and it is simplest definition refers to the first “user” or “dealer”, that is in custody, who wants to save his own hide and not be the first sentenced to Prison (USDOJ). FACT: Danny is not a “narc”, ONLY because he chose to hold out way too long on the drug information, OR he does not want the “stigma” attached to being branded as one (common sense). FACT: People that purposely choose NOT to cooperate with Police in a death investigation usually have something to hide(USDOJ). You may not agree with the facts, as they pertain to Danny, but you cannot dispute what they are. I understand your need to help your friend, but at very least don’t you think Danny should cooperate with Authorities to help answer some of the questions surrounding the Death of SILVEN. After all, isn’t that what you want too?

To: DeanaO and MandaYo: I urge you to contact Sgt Holt or detective Swearingen at the Sheriffs Office in McDonough County (Macomb) with your information. What you both had to say in your blogs may be important to this case and you should not be afraid to come forward. Your information may be helpful in solving this crime, and Silven needs help from everyone.

I think it’s horrible what happened to Silven. I did not know her, but no child should go through what she did. That being said, I know that there is no way that Danny would ever do such a terrible thing. Danny is my cousin and one of my best friends. He and I have always been there for each other, and I stand by him now when he needs me most. Danny did love children, despite what some of you say. He is a wonderful guy. He’s good with children, kind to animals…he’s soft-hearted. My point is that he is NOT a violent person. He’s actually really easy-going. He keeps to himself and doesn’t mess with people. Yes, he’s dabbled in drugs, and he’s made his mistakes (which he has owned up to) but that doesn’t make him a bad person. He may be a little self-destructive at times but would never hurt anyone else. If Danny knew what happened to Silven he would come forward. He is just as sickened as the rest of us about her death, maybe more so than some of us since he actually met her. Everyone in this blog can speculate as to who is responsible and who should pay. It is human nature to want vengeance. But please don’t judge Danny unless you know him or you know the facts. Yes, he is guilty for doing drugs, but that does not make him responsible for the death of this child. According to reports, 4 adults had access to the child. I cannot say which of the other 3 caused the head trauma to the child, and I’m not going to presume to know. But I am absolutely positive that it was not Danny. And anyone who truly knows him knows it too.

This whole thing troubles me deeply. I used to work with Erin and many times had to cover for her when she showed up drunk or high to work. In recent years I have only seen her on and off. For awhile after she had Silven she seemed to be getting her act together. Then she took up with the wrong people and seemed to get back into bad habits. I trully believe that neither Erin and even Danny, although I don’t know him, would never intentionally harm a child in their right minds. People using meth, and even those invilved in making it are not in their right minds. Yes, drug addiction is a disease, but that does not excuse these two adults for subjecting an innocent child to this environment. If Danny was making, selling, and using meth he was probably not the “good person” that he might have been otherwise. Erin should have never moved in with her child into this situation. I don’t really care which of the four people who last saw her are responsible. They should all be held accountable.

Happy Thanksgiving Silvie… Today I’m thanking God for your life, for what you have taught us all, and for our family. Please continue to watch over us lil angel!

Is Erin still in treatment in Peoria?

believe so.

missing you and wishing you justice soon. it is such a long road without you.

I have been following this blog for quite some time now. I have some disturbing news…. Erin is pregnant again! I got this info from a very reliable source… someone she told.

I hope to god that the state takes this child away from her. She doesn’t deserve a second chance. Silven didn’t get one. Why should Erin. Something needs to be done. I just don’t know what. Does anyone have any news on what happened with the Grand Jury? Does anyone know if Danny has been convicted yet? I think the McDonough Co States Attorney & Sheriff’s Office needs to do something. Trust me I am not for abortion, but this is one case I am all for it. It would be the best thing for this child. What in the hell are they waiting on? I just want to puke knowing that she is bringing another life into this world that she will not care for either.

I heard that Danny pled the 5th to all questions asked at the hearing. I too heard that Erin is expecting again.

you are xxxxxxx kiding me???????? RIGHT??????? I pray this is a mistake. Sweet Silvie was put in situations she never ever should have been in and she SHOULD STILL BE HERE WITH US!!!!!! I am sooooo mad. There is toooooooo much wrong with this if this does end up to be fact. A beautiful child is dead now because of fxxxxxx ignorance and drug addiction.

What a BLESSING!!
You judge, and then to make matters worse, you believe in your judgement. You’ve looked at and at times made up the evidence, you’ve made a judgement - it must be right! There couldn’t possibly be any other conclusion to arrive at but the one you have chosen, could there?
Do you stop before judging and ask yourself, “Now, do I know this for a fact, or is it hearsay”?
What you don’t see, don’t understand, is that your judgement leads to suffering - your own suffering. It does not touch the person judged; he or she is free of you and your thoughts and your judgements. You cannot change their behaviour by even a hair’s breadth by your judgement.
Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain but it takes character and self control to be understanding and forgiving.

Isn’t the loss of a child the worst possible grief that any human could endure?

Who are we to judge God’s plan? It is He who makes all things possible. It is He who has given Erin this blessing.

The loss of a child is something I never would wish upon anyone. It would be the worst beyond comprehension. Absolutly! That is why parents are to protect and keep their children out of harms way, not subjecting them to bad things,bad people,etc…And yes God has a plan, and none of us know what that is and ultimatly all is up to him. But responsibility needs to be taken and TRUTH needs to come out. Silven certainly didn’t subject herself to her injuries did she??? Her injuries did not come from a trampoline or some bogus excuse like that. She certainly isn’t here to fight for her justice is she??????? Justice for Silvie is what is most important for sooooo many of us. Don’t you think she deserves that???????????

You say “Who are we to judge God’s plan? It is He who makes all things possible.” This makes it hard for me. Because in order for me to believe this, I must believe that it was God’s plan for Silven to die the awful death she did. I just do not think I can accept this. One child cannot replace another or heal the scar that is left.

I have followed this case from the very beginning. A good friend of mine directed me to this site just this morning. First of all, I really want to express how sad and outraged I was when this crime first occurred. I never knew Slyven personally. My good friend did….and personally knows all parties involved. I know Erin personally, but it was from a long time ago….before she ever had Slyven. I am a mother and can’t even fathom the thought of losing my child….especially in such a hideous way. I do want to explain how I know Erin. I am a recovered addict. Have been clean for nearly 9 years. I met Erin when she moved into an apartment in the same building I was living in. Eventually we spoke and ended up using drugs together for several months. I found her to be a little on the odd side(even without the drug usage). She reminded me of someone who is very bipolar. The boyfriend she had at the time was an addict as well. They had a very volatile relationship and got into physical brawls on more than one occasion. I never witnessed the physical brawls, but did hear the yelling, scuffling, whatnot overhead from my apartment(they lived above me). So, I do not know who initiated the violence, but violence was something that she seemed accept as part of her relationship with her boyfriend. I remember one night she knocked on my door all upset because she said her boyfriend just beat her up. I thought for sure she was going to leave him, but the next day she was all happy, lovey-dovey with him. So, again, it seems in her addicted mind that violence was an accepted behavior. When I first heard that she had a daughter, I had already been clean for some time and had my own child. I was initially concerned knowing what I knew about her past. Even though my good friend assured me that Erin was “much better” and was a good mother, I still had my doubts. Even my good friend admitted that Erin was probably still using drugs. Meth is a very, very ugly drug. It makes you VIOLENT. I know for a fact it does. One tiny little thing can set you off and you lose control. I’ve seen it first hand. It makes you do things and say things that you would never dream of doing otherwise. I believe wholeheartedly that Erin and Danny both know exactly what happened to Sylven. I do not believe that Sylven hurt her head on the trampoline or was involved in a car accident. Sylven died from a blunt force trauma to her head. In other words…..something slammed into her head….NOT her head slamming into something. I pray everyday that the truth finally comes to light.
Now I hear that Erin is pregnant. I don’t think Erin is mentally capable of taking care of another life. It might be in God’s plan for Erin to bring another life into this world….but it isn’t necessarily in his plan that she will be the one who is supposed to raise it.

bless you

I agree with you wholeheartedly been around. As soon as I read that Erin was once again pregnant, the same thoughts entered my head. Yes, she may be pregnant, but maybe it is God’s Plan to allow her to have that child and then take it away from her to be raised by someone else. Maybe it is in God’s Plan for her to suffer and endure heartache for the rest of her life. Who knows?

Thanks for posting and sharing your story with us.

Do you believe all of this? When did she ever live in an apartment building? Who was the beating boyfriend? I believe this is made up.
I know Erin and I don’t believe she ever lived in an apartment building. I know all of the males she hs gone with. Hum..no beaters, before Danny anyway. I don’t know about him.
I do know that Silven was happy and healthy and well mannered.
Does the rehab and grief counseling she has been in for nearly a year not count in anyone’s mind?
Oh who cares what you people think. Do you honestly believe it is in God’s plan to make anyone suffer? Do you know how happy Silven was? Do you know how much she loved her Mommy?
Funny all you people do is bash Erin, but the one who killed her….you seldom mention. You say once again pregnant like she has had many.
I believe that it was with a little nudge from Silven that God is giving Erin the chance to have a child. She would want her Mommy to be happy as much as can be possible.
You people talk as if she lived in some kind of drug den. I have been to her home. It was always great. A little lived in. you know as kids will have toys out and such.
You are wrong. Erin is basically a good girl who made a very bad choice. She will pay for the rest of her life for that, but she does not deserve all of the bashing you give her. I am glad she cannot read it.

So when is the “good girl” going to fess up and tell what she knows about her daughter’s death? Don’t expect me to feel sympathy for her EVER!!!

I bet Silven is looking down from heaven and saying, “Mommy, you know what happened, why don’t you say something and give me the justice that I finally deserve?” No instead, she’s out having a grand old time sleeping with someone and getting pregnant again! When did this happen? Between stints in rehab?

There are so many different angles to look at things. We can see it in all the colors we want depending who we are and how we know Erin & Danny. The main thing to focus on is the fact that NOONE who knows them or Silven can stand it or move on till there are answers. The healing process involves anger, sadness and hopefully some kind of forgiveness eventually, but all of us are just hanging on anger and we are not even sure who to be the most angry with.

Standing by Danny, you claim Danny wasn’t violent, however, I witnessed on numberous occassions Danny being escorted out of the bar I worked in for quite some time. He had a habit of picking random fights with people for things as simple as looking at him. They began verbal. Which would lead to both the other party and other patrons trying to calm him and end with Danny getting physical.

Often it seemed as if he was provoking anyone he could. If you mean by ‘easy-going’ being persistant in offending everyone around him with his loud and obnoxious harassment… Then yes… You’re right… But… It doesn’t add up does it.

I can respect the fact he is your cousin and you want to protect him, but Danny used this type of behavior regularly in a public arena… we’re not talking about your family functions.

I can think of SEVERAL places Erin lived that were either apartment type houses with neighbors in the same structure or an apartment complex out by WIU.
Judge Not, I feel that you may see or remember only the things you want to. All the past things of that nature aren’t really that important anyway, but people lying, covering, or twisting things to try to make certain people look better is geting old. Facts are facts.
What has been done cannot be hidden behind the pages of a Bible either.

Do you realize that that there are two Erin Yocum’s? She never lived by WIU.
I am sick of you all saying that Erin needs to tell what she knows. She is a friend and I know that She took 4 polygraphs AND PASSED. That explains that she truly does not know what happened. I beleive if you ask the Sheriff he will tell you that she has cooperated. They just don’t tell you everything.
I believe Deana O has something in her past that she is feeling guilty about. Hum? She sounds so full of hate. And does not even know Erin.
I beleive that Wake Up sounds like a family member. Don’t you share some responsibility? If you think Erin was not a good Mom…you let her.
Erin out sleeping around between stints. What kind of thinking is that. She has not has “stints”. It has been a long proscess. She has met a wonderful man. That is not sleeping around.
Believing in Faith, God, and the love of Christ is not hiding behind the Bible.

Judge not, you obviously do not know Erin…..or at least you nothing about her drug-using past. Unless you were right there using drugs with her, you wouldn’t know. Keeping a semi-clean to a very clean home is not uncommon for drug users. I know this for a fact. You obviously know nothing about drugs or addiction. Addicts are very slick and can hide their usage and will lie their a$$es off to keep up a “good front”. I have absolutely no reason to come here and make up stuff. Erin DID live in an apartment style house(there were 4 apartments)….and it was around 1997-98. She lived there for a couple of months and it WAS near WIU. After that she lived in an apartment on the east side of town before moving into a decent white house….also on the east side of town. This was the last residence I knew of her to be living in. As for the beating boyfriend…..I truly believe the violence was on both sides there…..not just him. You really want a name? I think his name was Bill. His father’s name was Gene. While I didn’t really get to know Bill, I knew his father quite well(knew him for 8 years). His father worked at Zeta and married a woman named Debbie(who also worked at Zeta). They had moved out of state right around the time I first met Erin. Now hurry up and type that you never knew a Bill, that he never existed, and that Erin has never been beaten up by boyfriends before Danny. I even remember when Erin was roughed up by some drug dealers. She went to their house trying to get some coccaine and they weren’t too happy to see her. They tried to grab her money and shoved her off the porch steps. She came to my apartment and told me about it personally. The entire point of my posting here is that it is my opinion that violence was something that didn’t upset Erin that much and seemed to b