A Knight in Dragonland

154 responses so far ↓

• 1    knightindragonland // Jan 8, 2007 at 3:07 am

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

• 2    Eyebrows McGee // Jan 8, 2007 at 1:03 am

  “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.

• 3    letting you know // Jan 12, 2007 at 10:44 pm

  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.

• 4    Mom // Jan 13, 2007 at 12:52 am

  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.

• 5    concerned // Jan 13, 2007 at 1:04 pm

  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?

• 6    knightindragonland // Jan 14, 2007 at 3:42 am

  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.

• 7    Deana O // Jan 30, 2007 at 3:59 pm

  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!

• 8    Deana O // Jan 30, 2007 at 4:03 pm

  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!

• 9    knightindragonland // Feb 1, 2007 at 5:00 am

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

• 10    DeanaO // Feb 1, 2007 at 10:21 pm

  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.

• 11    knightindragonland // Feb 1, 2007 at 11:54 pm

  Thanks for the clarification.

• 12    knightindragonland // Feb 10, 2007 at 6:16 pm

  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.

• 13    DeanaO // Feb 10, 2007 at 3:34 pm

  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.

• 14    DeanaO // Feb 11, 2007 at 10:50 pm

  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.

• 15    Grandma // Apr 4, 2007 at 6:16 pm

  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

• 16    wake up // Apr 25, 2007 at 10:41 am

  Ohhhh pleeease. Wake up and smell the coffee

• 17    Hurt // May 2, 2007 at 9:25 am

  You people are so cruel.

• 18    O Please // May 2, 2007 at 2:09 pm

  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?!

• 19    wake up // May 2, 2007 at 2:10 pm

  Cruel was the unnecessary death of a 5 Year old.

• 20    wake up // May 2, 2007 at 2:12 pm

  Thank You oh Please. Well Said.

• 21    O Please // May 3, 2007 at 9:26 am

  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.

• 22    Deana O // May 23, 2007 at 3:29 pm

  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!

• 23    Concerned Citizen // May 25, 2007 at 2:38 pm

  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.

• 24    Setting U Straight // Jun 7, 2007 at 10:51 pm

  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.

• 25    Deana ) // Jun 10, 2007 at 1:38 am

  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.

• 26    Concerned Citizen // Jun 12, 2007 at 10:06 am

  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.

• 27    madmuthertrucker // Jun 27, 2007 at 6:57 pm

  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!

• 28    Setting U Straight // Jun 27, 2007 at 10:44 pm

  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.

• 29    wake up // Jul 9, 2007 at 12:33 pm

  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.

• 30    wake up // Jul 9, 2007 at 12:57 pm

  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?

• 31    O Please // Jul 11, 2007 at 1:28 pm

  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?

• 32    wake up // Jul 12, 2007 at 4:04 pm

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

• 33    wake up // Jul 12, 2007 at 4:15 pm

  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!

• 34    Concerned Citizen // Jul 13, 2007 at 11:25 am

  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.

• 35    wake up // Jul 16, 2007 at 11:15 am

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

• 36    O Please // Jul 16, 2007 at 3:54 pm

  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!!

• 37    MommyToo // Jul 19, 2007 at 2:26 pm

  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!

• 38    wake up // Jul 20, 2007 at 8:02 am

  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!

• 39    DeanaO // Jul 23, 2007 at 2:03 pm

  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.

• 40    wake up // Jul 23, 2007 at 5:19 pm

  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.

• 41    wake up // Jul 23, 2007 at 5:21 pm

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

• 42    MommyToo // Jul 23, 2007 at 11:35 pm

  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!

• 43    wake up // Jul 25, 2007 at 9:22 am

  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.

• 44    wake up // Jul 27, 2007 at 9:28 am

  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.

• 45    Setting U Straight // Aug 5, 2007 at 8:57 am

  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.

• 46    Setting U Straight // Aug 5, 2007 at 8:59 am

  JUSTICE FOR SILVEN

• 47    wake up // Aug 8, 2007 at 10:38 am

  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.

• 48    wake up // Aug 8, 2007 at 7:08 pm

  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.

• 49    abc // Aug 15, 2007 at 11:08 am

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

• 50    Just wondering // Aug 16, 2007 at 8:33 pm

  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!

• 51    wake up // Aug 22, 2007 at 9:53 am

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

• 52    abc // Aug 29, 2007 at 12:06 pm

  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.

• 53    wake up // Aug 30, 2007 at 8:59 am

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

• 54    wake up // Aug 30, 2007 at 12:48 pm

  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.

• 55    Amanda // Sep 3, 2007 at 9:31 am

  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.

• 56    Setting U Straight // Sep 4, 2007 at 4:01 pm

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

• 57    wake up // Sep 6, 2007 at 9:37 am

  I also want to thank you Amanda.

• 58    mommyto3 // Sep 7, 2007 at 3:36 pm

  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.

• 59    Justice for Silven // Sep 9, 2007 at 1:46 am

  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.

• 60    wake up // Sep 10, 2007 at 3:27 pm

  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

• 61    Mommyto2boys // Sep 16, 2007 at 12:40 pm

  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!

• 62    wake up // Sep 16, 2007 at 4:34 pm

  missing you really bad today silvie.

• 63    confused // Sep 16, 2007 at 8:54 pm

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

• 64    wake up // Sep 17, 2007 at 8:18 am

  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.

• 65    defender // Sep 19, 2007 at 11:41 am

  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.

• 66    Deana O // Sep 20, 2007 at 6:58 am

  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.

• 67    Deana O // Sep 20, 2007 at 7:06 am

  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? >

• 68    Deana O // Sep 20, 2007 at 7:07 am

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

  **insert exasperated eye roll here**

• 69    defender // Sep 20, 2007 at 8:40 am

  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?

• 70    wake up // Sep 20, 2007 at 9:13 am

  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???

• 71    Deana O // Sep 20, 2007 at 9:20 am

  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!

• 72    Deana O // Sep 20, 2007 at 9:57 am

  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!!!

• 73    wake up // Sep 20, 2007 at 11:26 am

  THank you Deana O.

• 74    defender // Sep 20, 2007 at 4:39 pm

  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.

• 75    wake up // Sep 20, 2007 at 4:56 pm

  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.

• 76    Knight in Dragonland // Sep 20, 2007 at 5:33 pm

  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.

• 77    MandaYo // Sep 20, 2007 at 8:40 pm

  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.

• 78    Justice For Silven // Sep 20, 2007 at 10:54 pm

  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.

• 79    MandaYo // Sep 20, 2007 at 11:33 pm

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

• 80    Deana O // Sep 21, 2007 at 9:28 am

  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.

• 81    Deana O // Sep 26, 2007 at 5:44 am

  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.

• 82    Deana O // Oct 8, 2007 at 5:25 pm

  Still have you in my thoughts Silven…

• 83    wake up // Oct 9, 2007 at 9:15 am

  still missing you baby girl.

• 84    wake up // Oct 17, 2007 at 12:10 pm

  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

• 85    Wondering // Oct 20, 2007 at 11:33 pm

  Anyone heard any thing new about the case?

• 86    wake up // Oct 24, 2007 at 7:32 am

  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.

• 87    O Please // Oct 29, 2007 at 10:03 am

  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.

• 88    Kinder & Objective // Oct 29, 2007 at 11:17 am

  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.

• 89    Wondering // Oct 29, 2007 at 5:44 pm

  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.

• 90    Just the Facts // Nov 9, 2007 at 4:22 pm

  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.

• 91    Standing by Danny // Nov 21, 2007 at 11:31 am

  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.

• 92    troubled // Nov 22, 2007 at 12:44 am

  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.

• 93    MandaYo // Nov 22, 2007 at 9:06 pm

  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!

• 94    Wondering // Nov 30, 2007 at 10:28 am

  Is Erin still in treatment in Peoria?

• 95    wake up // Dec 4, 2007 at 10:43 am

  believe so.

• 96    wake up // Dec 12, 2007 at 10:56 am

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

• 97    wish to remain anon // Dec 12, 2007 at 6:11 pm

  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.

• 98    mommyto3 // Dec 13, 2007 at 10:56 am

  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.

• 99    Wondering // Dec 13, 2007 at 11:52 am

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

• 100    wake up // Dec 13, 2007 at 2:52 pm

  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.

• 101    Judge Not // Dec 14, 2007 at 4:54 pm

  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.

• 102    wake up // Dec 15, 2007 at 10:49 am

  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???????????

• 103    Wondering // Dec 15, 2007 at 2:25 pm

  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.

• 104    been around // Dec 15, 2007 at 2:45 pm

  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.

• 105    wake up // Dec 15, 2007 at 3:45 pm

  bless you

• 106    Deana O // Dec 16, 2007 at 9:18 am

  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.

• 107    Judge Not // Dec 16, 2007 at 5:25 pm

  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.

• 108    Deana O // Dec 16, 2007 at 5:31 pm

  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!!!

• 109    Deana O // Dec 16, 2007 at 5:33 pm

  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?

• 110    Wondering // Dec 16, 2007 at 9:20 pm

  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.

• 111    MandaYo // Dec 16, 2007 at 11:19 pm

  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.

• 112    Wondering // Dec 16, 2007 at 11:46 pm

  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.

• 113    Judge Not // Dec 17, 2007 at 7:55 am

  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.

• 114    been around // Dec 17, 2007 at 10:18 am

  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 be an accepted part of her lifestyle.

• 115    Deana O // Dec 17, 2007 at 10:27 am

  I have nothing in my past that I am hiding. I am the mother of two beautiful children who come first and foremost in my life. I make sacrifices every day on their behalf and put them first in my life always just the same that every GOOD mother does. I feel no sympathy for her whatsoever. I was at St. Francis Hospital shortly after they brought Silven in and I had spent the night there with my Mother when they wheeled her out early morning after the family had decided to let her go. I am sickened by this and angry, yes! It has been over a year now and there is still not a verdict in this case. I was not there the moment the family came in, but my sister was and Erin and her Mother told my sister what happened to Silven. Was Erin speculating? I don’t know. But when I got to the hospital, my sister told me of how Erin’s boyfriend had beaten her little girl and how Erin just wanted some rest. My sister asked if I would mind giving up one of our reclinging chairs in order for Erin to rest and I said, “yes, of course,” feeling so terrible for her. I never missed a single day of going to the hospital to see my Dad who was hospitalized for four months, two of those in a coma. Do not act as if I am making judgement based on nothing at all. I saw what I saw and heard what I heard. I will never forget little Silven as long as I live and I never had a chance to meet her. My mother just commented yesterday how odd the whole family was and how strange it was that none of them acted that upset about Silven’s death except maybe the Grandmother who did cry some when Silven was being wheeled down the hallway and she cried when I hugged her and told her how sorry I was for her loss.

  I am a single Mom as well and it is a struggle at times. I do not turn to drugs and I most certainly do not feel as if I need a man in my life to make it complete. My children are my world and they are treated as such. I give them all I can and they are surrounded by love and they know that they are safe and secure in their home. They know that I am here to protect them always.

  You can think whatever you’d like about me…believe me, I won’t lose sleep over what you or Erin or anyone else thinks. I do, however, often lose sleep thinking of 5 year old Silven and all of the pain that she endured. Was she unconscious when Erin put her to bed that night? Did Erin hope she would just sleep it off? Can you begin to think what excrutiating pain that Silven must have gone through and help wasn’t called until the next day?

• 116    wake up // Dec 17, 2007 at 11:41 am

  It is not God who would allow this to happen to Silvie. It is the devil who can enter ones life when they are down the wrong road. Unfortunatly he was let in.
  There has always been family to cover for wrong doings. There have always been “FAMILY SECRETS”. It is important that people learn from their mistakes and take responsibility for them. When people are bailed out their whole life it is impossible for one to learn. I am sad for erin that she didn’t have that opportunity. She made bad choices and will have to live with that.
  It is not my decision I know, but knowing all that I do. Erin shouldn’t be able to raise another child. I do believe erin Knows more than what she is admitting. The only reason I think maybe she wouldn’t would be because of drug abuse.
  Yes there are two Erin Yocum’s in the area but there is only one who has made the paper numerous times.

• 117    Standing by Danny // Dec 17, 2007 at 1:40 pm

  Judge Not, you say that “the one who killed her…you seldom mention.” Are you saying you know who killed Silven? If so, that’s impressive, because no one else knows for sure, not even the cops. For calling yourself “Judge Not,” that sure sounds judgemental to me. Or maybe you are only “Judge Not” when it’s convenient for you. Maybe you should call yourself Hypocrite instead.

• 118    Judge Not // Dec 18, 2007 at 7:34 am

  I never said that I knew who the killer was. I just said that you people never discuss who ever killed her. It is only an ERIN BASHING.

  I so wish I could be perfect like Deana O. She’s a piece of work.

  This blogging to crucify someone is SICK.

  It is like a frenzy that each feed off of the other to see who can justify their hate for Erin the best. What a waste of time.

  I am out of here. Hope you all get your jollies soon.

• 119    wake up // Dec 18, 2007 at 8:05 am

  This is not about bashing Erin. This is about admitting that Silvie was not in a safe enviroment all of her life. She was Not protected from evil and evil things. Once one admits to fault then they can move on to recovery and forgiveness. Hiding truth can’t get one to heaven or to healing.

• 120    Judge Not // Dec 18, 2007 at 8:23 am

  And do you know that Erin has not done that??? Do you know that she has not admitted to fault? Do you KNOW that she is hiding truth?

  You are a piece of work too.

  Bye Bye

• 121    wake up // Dec 18, 2007 at 11:27 am

  Certainly hope she has. I do not understand why you keep trying to cover for her and lie about things that are facts then? There is so much that has been talked about on this blog that numerous people know are factual.

• 122    hopeful // Dec 18, 2007 at 3:59 pm

  I heard on the news today they have new updates. WGEM is supposed to have more tonight at 6 and 10

• 123    hopeful // Dec 18, 2007 at 4:27 pm

  Read the macomb journal or WGEM website!!! this is a good day!!!

• 124    On Judge Not Said Side // Dec 18, 2007 at 6:10 pm

  The wonderful man that Erin has meet is my brother….you people are really sick! Do you all have nothing better to do than bash Erin. I am a mother and I don’t know what I would do if something happened to my daughter. Don’t you think she has gone thru enough without all you horrible people posting all this crap! I’m very sad that I will never get to meet Silven but she will live on thru Erin. I trust her 100%. My brother and her are very happy together and I hope all this gets put to rest so Erin can finally have some closure in her life.

• 125    michele // Dec 18, 2007 at 9:24 pm

  I just want all of you sad people who have no life so you have to put your noses in Erin’s business. That the baby she is carrying is my neice or nephew. And the state won’t be taking it from her. Erin and my brother will be raising her or him together. That baby will be loved and well taken care of. And just to let you know Been around Erin is a great person that is mentally capable of raising a kid and she isn’t bipolar. You on the other hand i’m not so sure about. With the name been aroud you sound like a whore. But I’m not going to judge you cause I’m not a piece of crap like you. And to Mommyto3, wakeup and Deana O it sounds like your so ugly bitches with no lifes so your trying to bring Erin down cause either your really ugly so you have no man. Just basically you have no life so you need to get into everyone else business. Grow up and get a damn life. Leave Erin alone she has been through enough.

• 126    Wondering // Dec 18, 2007 at 10:33 pm

  The way you talk/type says it all. Your improper English and filthy mouth tell us exactly what everyone that reads this could already guess. As far as your brother goes, Erin’s track record speaks for itself. So I can only imagine. And honestly who would even get involved with in that situation right now if they were in their right mind. How is Erin going to care for a baby when she is in jail for child endangerment? One last sentence before I go “birds of a feather flock together”.

• 127    utah // Dec 18, 2007 at 10:50 pm

  somebody please call jerry springer. i think we have a case.

• 128    MandaYo // Dec 18, 2007 at 10:57 pm

  Michele you have single handedly taken the maturity level of internet blogging to a record low.

• 129    MandaYo // Dec 18, 2007 at 11:00 pm

  Additionally…

  Given the nature of this sight, one might deduct that ‘Been Around’ would mean, it’s a person who has been around one or more parties involved in this situation.

  Call me crazy, but they seem to be much more informed than you have been thus far.

• 130    MandaYo // Dec 18, 2007 at 11:07 pm

  Finally, I have it on excellant authority that WakeUp is a BEAUTIFUL person, inside and out. As is their significant other, both of whom I will not stand to have belittled by someone so completely out of touch with the reality of it all.

  Do you have no shame at all?

  Maybe you should take a moment to remember your place and stop projecting your hostility.

• 131    Deana O // Dec 18, 2007 at 11:25 pm

  Exactly my thoughts! I won’t waste my time hurling insults back at you because frankly, you are not worth it. I’m certain that those of you defending her still are most likely her drug buddies.

  I am so elated today with this news! Finally, some justice for Silven.

  Other thoughts–what kind of “wonderful man” would get involved with a person like Erin (drug user, worthless mother, etc.) LET ALONE HAVE A BABY WITH HER??? How stupid can one person be?

  And…Hey, I’m on a roll here, nothing stopping me now…what in the hell are your brother and Erin going to tell this new baby about big sister Silven when it’s old enough to know? Sad, sad, sad…

  What did Erin think she was going to do? Marry this guy, have this baby, and live happily ever after? It might be a bit hard to do from prison! Did she think if she didn’t get this motherhood thing right this time, she could just try again later, too?

  I have waited for this day for so long! There you go Silven…we have never forgotten you and you will remain in my thought always!

  P. S. Looks like Erin did just fine bringing herself down on here own…she didn’t need any help from any of us!

• 132    wake up // Dec 18, 2007 at 11:53 pm

  justice for silvie. I will forever smile when i think of you. love you baby girl and miss you dearly forever and always.

• 133    michele // Dec 19, 2007 at 10:01 am

  Hey Deana O have have you ever meet my brother bitch? NO!!! He is an wonderful and awesome guy that love’s Erin Alot!!!!! I don’t understand why you have to slam him. I guess cause your a pathetice person with no life!!!! And why can’t Erin and my brohter get married, have this baby and live happily ever afterl. They love each other. And when their baby gets old enough to know about Silvie they will just tell him or her that a awful thing happened and she is in heaven watching over everyone. That’s what big sisters do look out for the ones they love. And about the duugs NO i’m not a ex – druggie. I’ve never done drusgs in my life. You know God does things for a reason. Everything has a purpose. And I thank god that he brought Erin into my brothers life. Cause she is the best thing to ever happen to him. She is an awesome person and I know she will be a great mom!!!!! I’ve seen her with my little girl. There is no way she could ever hurt anyone. I love her and i’ll be proud to call her my sister hopefully soon.

• 134    On Judge Not's Side // Dec 19, 2007 at 11:02 am

  This blog is such a waste of time and space. I am sure most of you don’t even know Erin or knew Silven. My brother is a great guy. I am proud to say that I have NEVER done drugs a day in my life! As for my sister Michele, she always stands up for the people she loves and believes in. It just breaks our hearts to see all this trash about Erin. I know it is very sad that a little girl lost her life! I can’t even imagaine. And I hope that nothing ever happens to my little girl. God brought my brother and Erin together for a reason. It is up to Him what happens not all you people! I know you all think you know what happened but that is not true! I do hope and pray the truth does come out and the guilty person is charged and put away for a very long time. Everyone makes mistakes. Nobody is perfect. I just think everyone should take a look back @ their life. I’ve done things I am not proud of. Made some wrong choices in my life. Granted none of them have cost me my child but ERIN is the one that has to live with that for the rest of her life. Not any of you! As far as her being a mom again. I have no doubts or worries about her. My 3 1/2 year old just loves her. I would not think twice about leaving her with Erin. I am not here to bash anyone. Just sharing some things about a person that has come into our lives. Erin does have a past but then again don’t we all. I pray that none of you out here have gone thru what Erin has. Or will go thru it. We all have the same hope that Silven’s killer gets brought down. I guess I got to met a different Erin from some of you. I’ve never seen her on drugs. I hope and pray everyday that she does stay clean. It’s one day @ a time. I also hope she never reads any of this. I BELIVE IN YOU ERIN AND MY BROTHER!

• 135    Deana O // Dec 19, 2007 at 11:44 am

  What in the world is she turning herself in for today? I wouldn’t let her anywhere near my child. I’m going by what is reported on WGEM and in The Macomb Journal. According to their reports, Danny did this to Silven and Erin and Danny continued to get high while Silven suffered…what kind of person would do that?

  They are even saying that her injuries were caused two days BEFORE Erin called for help.

  I can’t comprehend how anyone would defend her, but you go right ahead. You’re entitled to have your own opinion.

  My parents’ neighbor’s daughter was addicted to meth and just recently had a baby boy. She was like Erin in thinking that she would just take him home and raise him even though the grandparents are raising her other two children. SURPRISE! They yanked that baby right away from her the moment he was born. He’s with a foster family right now and she has little, if any chance of getting ANY of her children back.

• 136    been around // Dec 19, 2007 at 12:18 pm

  I take absolutely no offense to Michele’s comment towards me. Obviously I struck a nerve. Erin’s past IS what it is. I hope to God she CAN stay clean. I never once said Erin was a bad person. She has made some horrible choices in her life, nobody can dispute that. As for her being bipolar…..you obviously never saw her when she was at her worse. She was not exactly mentally stable or capable of raising a child back when I knew her. She wasn’t taking proper care of herself…..now how could she possibly have been okay to take care of anyone else??? I haven’t associated with Erin(or anyone else from my past) ever since I took the path to sobriety. I think as long as Erin stays clean and continues with therapy/counseling she will be okay. When she wasn’t high she was a very sweet girl. You have to understand that people are very upset that Erin allowed the situation with Silven to happen…..and that she failed her daughter when she needed her the most(by not taking her to a doctor and supposedly binging on drugs for 2 days instead). Erin will have to live with that for the rest of her life…..a sentence that will be heavier than anything a court system could ever hand down. As far as Erin reading or not reading any of this…..as long as she is comfortable with who she is NOW, it shouldn’t matter. When she went through rehab she learned to own her past and not hide from it. As long as she can look in the mirror and be proud of what she sees looking back….then this blog will mean nothing to her. I continue to pray that entire truth will emerge and no question will go unanswered….and that justice for Silven will finally prevail. At this point, that IS the most important thing…..Silven’s justice. I thought I read online in The Macomb Journal that Danny and Erin were supposed to appear in court this morning??? Anyone know?

• 137    finally justice // Dec 19, 2007 at 12:54 pm

  I’ve been reading this blog for quite some time now and i think it is wonderful that everyone has kept this going!!!! It’s unfortunate however that there are certain people that get on here and use foul language and speak stupidity!!!!( I think u know who you are!!!) Anywho….yesterday was an absolutely great day for Silvie!!! Charges were finally filed against Danny & Erin and I hope they are both punished to the fullest extent. Although, I do feel for this new family that is now involved with Erin, it does not appear that there will be a wedding very soon, unless the wedding is at the jail!!! I do understand that Erin has been through alot of suffering for losing her child, and I’m sure the guilt is excruciating. Especially seeing how the facts state that Erin was in the home with Silvie when these injuries were incurred and she has absolutley no idea how or what had happened!!!
  I really don’t know how anyone could live with the guilt that their child was so severly injured and died from these injuries and they were there and had no clue what was going on and therefore could not protect them. The REAL truth is going to come out and I’m sure that Erin is not going to be as innocent as some might think. As for this new man in her life, I wish him the best because it looks like there’s going to be a LONG road ahead.

• 138    hdc81 // Dec 19, 2007 at 2:11 pm

  I am Erin’s sister-in-law. I can’t believe I just read through all of this trash. If you all know so much then you should most definitely begin working for the police department…because even they can not figure out exactly what happened. Most of you are judging something you know nothing about. Unless you were in the house when the incident happened YOU DO NOT KNOW!.

  Please believe me when I say that this family has suffered more than anyone ever should. I am not here to place blame or criticize; however, accusing someone of something you know nothing about is unfair.

  Silvie was special. Everyone who knew her loved her. Instead of placing blame, name calling, and accusations let’s try to remember that.

• 139    finally justice // Dec 19, 2007 at 2:53 pm

  to been around…. i think they appear this afternoon, she was turning herself in this morning and I think his federal hearing was this morning too.

• 140    I remember // Dec 19, 2007 at 2:57 pm

  I remember the hot summer day I helped her mom pick out her name, what a sweet, happy baby she was, the day we took her with us to the stream to collect pretty rocks, laughing and being ornery at the park, she said a bad word and giggled her little butt off about it.

• 141    Deana O // Dec 19, 2007 at 3:26 pm

  All I want and all I’ve ever wanted is justice for Silven. I hope that she will have that now.

  And…I hope that no other child will have to suffer the way she did.

  That’s all…

• 142    finally justice // Dec 19, 2007 at 5:58 pm

  That is what everybody wants……

• 143    Deana O // Dec 20, 2007 at 10:13 am

  Two articles in today’s Peoria Journal Star…

  1) “Yocum Makes First Court Appearance” which I cannot find a link for and,

  2) Belknap Sentenced to 44 Months for Meth

  Here is the link to that particular story:

  http://www.pjstar.com/stories/122007/TRI_BF8OB7FP.064.php

  Erin’s bond was reduced to $20,000. due to the fact that she is pregnant. “She was released on bond shortly after her court appearance.”

• 144    wake up // Dec 20, 2007 at 11:08 am

  Just a quick note it was $2,000 that she was let out on. I think that is what you meant but thought I would be sure. It was because of her health and her high risk pregnancy. The judge appologized but didn’t want to risk another death. Still all is not done and I pray that we do get all the answers some day soon.

• 145    Deana O // Dec 20, 2007 at 11:26 am

  Yes, I do realize that it is 10% to be bonded out. My sister and her husband are both employed in law enforcement.

  While listening to a radio interview on Tri States Public Radio, the States Attorney mentioned that the felony child endangerment charge against Erin carries a 2 to 5 year sentence.

  You can read and listen to the interview here:

  http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wium/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1200555&sectionID=1

• 146    Deana O // Dec 20, 2007 at 11:33 am

  Here is another story on Erin and her posting bond:

  http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wium/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1201312

• 147    wake up // Dec 20, 2007 at 6:53 pm

  thank you deana o. I hadn’t seen those sites. I must thank you also for all of the support you have given torwards “Justice for Silvie” Wish you could have met her.

• 148    Deana O // Dec 20, 2007 at 7:26 pm

  wake up…you are most welcome.

  We never did get to meet this precious little girl, but her story touched our lives and my family has always hoped that she would someday get the justice she deserves. Children are so innocent and they trust us to give them a voice when no one can hear theirs. Everyone in that waiting room was like a family. We spent so much time there that we knew everyone’s story and we rejoiced with them for good news and wept with them when the news was bad. I think my Dad was about the only one from our “group” to make it out of there and I thank God for that everyday although he is not the man he once used to be. However, he is alive and still here with us and for that I am forever grateful.

  I will never in my life forget her. Thank you for all of your insight on this blog and for fighting for Silvie. She is lucky to have had you in her life.

• 149    So sad // Dec 21, 2007 at 3:18 am

  I have known erin since she was 12 years old. I knew silvie her whole life. I sat down tonight trying to find some information about the cases and have not been able to tear my eyes away from this discussion. Erin was a drug user a heavy drug user. I have seen her with silvie so many times and when this happened i knew it was Danny. I can also tell who really knew erin and who doesn’t. Erin did live in Macomb and when she was started dating danny she lived on adams she on the West side of town. Before that she lived on the east side of town. When she started seeing danny i was surprised she left andy. he is the guy who has been referred to as silvie’s daddy. he used drugs too, but i will tell you he loved that little girl and treated her very well. he was devastated when erin left him. also danny wasn’t kept from the hospital. when they were on the way to peoria, erin and danny pulled over and erin got in with her mom because danny said he was sick and wanted to go home. at least that is what i was told.. erin’s brother eric also loved silvie very much. we all have made mistakes in our lives and i do think erin loved silvie but she loved gettin high more. i also know of a couple of arguments erin and danny had about silvie. silvie was pretty upset about losing andy, and was i know that danny said, “i can’t handle that kid sometimes.” when i was told that he was talking like that i had my doubts about him. i said well silvie going through a change and misses andy and i was told that silvie needed to understand that mom had to have a life as well. Did i think this sounded shitty? yes but did i think he would kill her, no. as for DCFS telling the peoria journal star that they had no prior involvement was a lie. a little before all of this when erin lived on adams street, erics ex-girlfriend called dcfs late one night after drinking at the dog pound and reported meth use in her home. a male dcfs investigator came to erins house and talked with her. she told him that they were in bed when the report was made and it wasn’t true. to my knowledge that was that last contact they made. too bad for silvie huh. when asked about silvies death i knew erin hadnt been the one who did the abuse but how could she cover for his ass. i know danny could be a nice guy but they were wrapped up in getting high. i never believed erin would let anyone hurt silvie but she did and she didnt make him pay. istead they were worried about getting busted and sadly i don’t think erin wanted him to get into trouble. maybe cause she loved him but more because enabled her to do the amount of meth she wanted. I can picture it. they were strung out been up for days silvie, being a kid was getting on their nerves, and driving danny crazy. he snapped and erin thought silvie might be able to sleep it off and be ok, but she waited too long and then it was too late. erin has been addicted to drugs for a long time, she was a good mom at times but silvie sure could have had a better life. im not perfect but i would never allow anyone to hurt my child. silvie was a very good little girl. i watched her grow up and miss her very much.. she liked to dress-up and play make-believe. she loved poly pockets and did not like to share her pink and black boa. the last time i spoke to silvie i told her a lie. erin called me wanting mcdonalds and i brought her and silvie some food. i had been growing away from erin mainly due to her increased involvement in meth and i had a kid as well. silvie wanted me to bring my child in to play with her but frankly i was nervous to have my kid there. i promised her that we would be back and they could have a sleepover the next night. i didn’t mean it i was just trying to make her stop begging and make her happy. how do you say my child can’t play with you cause i don’t want to be around if your mom gets into trouble? it haunts me. i can see silvie. she used to run at me like a football player and knock me down and hug me. my child keeps a picture of her by her bed. we watch old videos of them playing. i will always love her and miss her. i can’t say i know whats going on in her mothers mind, it blows me away. i also never thought she would have another baby. if my guesses are right then i do believe she is as guilty as him and i don’t think she deserves special treatment. i realize that i don’t know everything but god someone needs to pay for that little girls life. she did love and worship her mommy. too bad mommy didn’t reciprocate that to her.

• 150    BA411 // Dec 21, 2007 at 10:42 am

  Just wondering…What was Erin’s childhood like?

• 151    I remember // Dec 21, 2007 at 11:44 am

  Erin and her brother had everything. I was always so jealous of her because it seemed like she had it all. They lived in a nice home and Erin used to be very popular. She was a cheerleader, an amazing artist, sang beautifully, and could always make people laugh. Her relationship with her mom was always a struggle though. JoAnne smothered her and always thought she was up to the worst. So much that usually when Erin got away from home she did go wild. JoAnne could be very hateful at times. It seemed she would do anything for her kids, buy them everything, but was very criticizing, they were never good enough for her.

• 152    So sad // Dec 21, 2007 at 9:43 pm

  Erin was very beautiful but could be a bully at times. I agree with “I remember” about the thing she said. JoAnne was very smothering and had a temper. I think the turning point was when JoAnne got into trouble while working at the Superintendants office for embessaling money. Sorry I can’t spell. JoAnne always acted like she was better than everyone else so this was quite an embarrassing event for the family. Erin was a wonderful artist and always creative. If you were her friend she was a lot of fun but if she didn’t like you she would make your life hell. I was her friend but I saw how mean she could be to some girls at our school. Erin always struggled with her weight and when she started doing crack she got skinny and loved it. She went to dry out but then turned to meth. She was with silvies dad who went to prison for it. then while pregnant from him she met andy who was there since the day silven was born. they did party and they did fight but andy never beat on her. erin has always been bailed out by grandpa and mom so i can see why she lived like she did. After erin had silvie she worked on and off (very little) at The Spirit in The Sky but hudd paid for her home, WIRC paid her cips and the state paid the rest. Erin would also frequent the Salvation Army on 1/2 price weekend get a bunch of clothes and items and then have yard sales to get money. I always hated that, cause there are people who really needed that stuff and she would grab the best brand name stuff. enough already i used to care for her and i will always love silvie but she was there and she was always high and she let her daughter die and i hope she goes to jail for it. she needs some time without chemical assistance to realize what has happened. i do know she loved silvie but like i said she loved the meth more. meth will grab ahold of you and you have to be very strong to get away from it. the thought of getting fat again terrified her.

• 153    A Knight in Dragonland » Justice for Silven Yocum // Dec 21, 2007 at 11:33 pm

  [...] the time of the coroner’s ruling of homicide, I made a post regarding this case. Over the last year, quite unintended on my part, this post has become a forum for those following [...]

• 154    Peoria Illinoisan » 2007: A Blog Year In Review // Dec 28, 2007 at 5:16 pm

  [...] records it’s first homicide (Peoria Chronicle) 6 – The Mysterious Case of Silven Yocum (Knight in Dragonland) 7 – John A Carroll continues his one man pissing contest, this time slamming Billy and Eyebrows in [...]