A Knight in Dragonland

Dec 21 2007

Justice for Silven Yocum

On September 16, 2006, Silven Yocum died in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at OSF St. Francis Children’s Hospital of Illinois after being found comatose at the home of her mother’s boyfriend in Industry, IL. Her death was ruled a homicide secondary to severe traumatic brain injury. At least four people had access to Silven around the time of her death, and it has taken a over a year to sort out the details.

At 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 Silven’s case to discuss their views. Commenters include those claiming to be family and personal friends of Erin Yocum (Silven’s mother) and Daniel Belknap (Erin’s boyfriend at the time of Silven’s death), while others claim to have been present in the waiting room at St. Francis when Silven was hospitalized and describe disturbing & inappropriate behavior displayed by Silven’s mother. I have no way to verify the veracity of these claims or the identities of those involved in the discussion, but it has certainly made for interesting reading.

This case has obviously evoked a lot of heated feelings and still captures the attention of many. There have been 152 comments to my original post to date, and over 50 of these comments have been posted in the last month. I have now closed comments on the old post. Those wishing to continue the conversation may pick up the thread here.

A grand jury in McDonough County has now brought indictments against Daniel Belknap and Erin Yocum (PJ Star story here, WGEM [Quincy NBC affiliate] story here). Belknap’s charges include first degree murder, and both Belknap and Yocum have been charged with two counts of endangering the life of a child.

The road to justice for Silven Yocum has been long, and is not yet over. For the sake of an innocent life needlessly lost, I hope justice is well served.

Silven Yocum | Knight in Dragonland | 21 December 2007 |

116 Comments

By Deana O, December 22, 2007 @ 11:55 am

Knight, Is there any possible way to provide a link from the old forum to this new one? I just happened to click on your name from the last post to make it here, but I’m afraid others may not be able to find it. Thank you.

What bothers me the most about this entire case is Erin’s apparent lack of remorse. I am sure that she has suffered, but what is also strange to me is that she obviously covered for Danny and I haven’t read a single post from anyone who has ever stated that she’s shown any signs of remorse for what she and Danny did to Silven.

She herself posted when this forum was rather new and outright lied about even being a drug user. I just can’t see how a mother would not want justice for her child. I’ll never be able to understand that as long as I live. I pray that she is not permitted to raise this child. I even wonder if she became pregnant on purpose to avoid jail time like she has…you never know.
By Standing by Danny, December 22, 2007 @ 12:33 pm

Why do you say “she obviously covered for Danny”??? Why are you assuming that Danny did this? Danny would never hurt a child. How do you know that Erin isn’t covering for herself?? I didn’t know Erin so I don’t know what kind of person she was or is. I only know what I read about her in this blog, so I will keep my thoughts and opinions regarding her to myself. But I do know Danny better than anyone else that has posted here. And there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that he is innocent. I don’t expect you to believe me because you don’t know Danny and there have been a lot of negative things said about him and people unfortunately often believe whatever they read. And it’s easier to assume the worst about someone rather than wait for the truth to come out. I could tell you countless stories of his thoughtfulness, kindness, generosity, and love. And yes, Danny was on drugs. But he was a fully functioning addict. Meth did not turn Danny into a different person, and it definitely didn’t take away his good qualities or ability to reason. He would have never abused Silven. Most do not know this, but before Silven was taken to the hospital, while she was sleeping all day, Danny kept asking Erin if Silven was okay. He thought it was weird that she was sleeping so much. Erin told him that she was checking on her, and she was fine. Danny repeatedly asked Erin about Silven. Had he not, it’s hard to say if Erin would have ever taken her to the hospital. Silven was completely in her mother’s care, not Danny’s. Take that for what you will, and believe it or don’t. I truly hope that for Danny and Silven’s sake, the truth comes out soon.
By Deana O, December 22, 2007 @ 1:32 pm

“A fully functioning addict?” What in the hell is that? You do realize he’s been charged with her murder, right? I am also waiting for the truth to come out if it ever does. Does anyone ever stop to think about the victim here? And by victim, I do mean Silven, NOT DANNY OR ERIN. They made choices for Silven that day…Silven wasn’t able to make any for herself. God yes, I am waiting for the truth…over a year later!
By Deana O, December 22, 2007 @ 1:33 pm

What exactly DID meth do for Danny then? Care to enlighten us?
By Deana O, December 22, 2007 @ 1:34 pm

And let’s say he is innocent and Erin did do it. She is now pregnant with another man’s child so why would Danny feel the need to cover up anything for her?
By Knight in Dragonland, December 22, 2007 @ 2:25 pm

Deana O,

There is a link to this post from the previous one. Comment #153 to the old post is a trackback that contains a hyperlink to this post.
By Deana O, December 22, 2007 @ 2:36 pm

Thank you Knight…
By Wondering, December 22, 2007 @ 11:41 pm

I have been trying to fathom why neither one of them will tell on the other.
By Give it up, December 23, 2007 @ 12:18 am

How do you know if Danny is standing up for her or not? How do you know if she is stnding up for him or not? How could you possibly know what she has endured this past year. How could you possibly know of the grief she feels? When do you care for your beautiful children? You are always on the computer and you are sooo sick in the head.
By Standing by Danny, December 24, 2007 @ 8:07 pm

Deanna O - of course I realize that he’s been charged with her murder. Key word there being charged, not convicted. Have you heard the phrase innocent until proven guilty? How dare you presume to know the facts of this case. If the cops had proof that Danny had committed this heinous crime then he would have been arrested long before now. They have nothing on him, of course, because he didn’t do it. Your sadly simple mind has been crippled with your poor and hasty judgment.
By Deana O, December 24, 2007 @ 8:51 pm

I will be like the rest of you and wait for the outcome. We’ll see what evidence is presented and hopefully the truth will finally come out.

But you also need to be honest with yourself and realize that you may not know all there is to know about him. As in any case…you only know a person as well as they will ever allow you to know them.

I realize that Erin could have done this just as well. I sincerely hope that the truth comes out for Silven’s sake. She deserves to have whoever did this to her pay for their crime.

I’ve thought about her a lot the past couple of days while out finishing my Christmas shopping. My daughter, who is her same age, is getting a Barbie Jeep for Christmas and Silven should be here to enjoy all of the excitement of Christmas, too.
By Deana O, December 24, 2007 @ 8:58 pm

However, if both Danny and Erin were present at the time of her death as reported, then both of them are withholding what they know from authorities. I think that in itself is a very serious crime.

The Peoria Journal Star reported this:

“Daniel Belknap told U.S. District Judge Michael Mihm that he wanted to put the past few years of meth “cooks” and his addiction behind him and set some new goals for himself to be a productive member of society.”

What better way for him to put this behind him than to tell what he knows. Why hasn’t he done that?
By finally justice, December 26, 2007 @ 2:46 pm

WGEM said this morning that Erin & Danny go to court again today, I’m not sure what time, but just wanted everyone to be aware of that.
By finally justice, December 26, 2007 @ 5:54 pm

check out WGEM, there’s an article on there about todays court, be sure in watch the video too.
By Knight in Dragonland, December 27, 2007 @ 12:15 am

I would remind everyone to try to keep this discussion civilized. I understand that emotions can run high in such matters, but you’re all entitled to your opinions. It’s quite unnecessary to demean those who do not share them.

Standing by Danny … the police and the prosecutors DO have something on Danny, or they wouldn’t have charged him with first degree murder. Statistically, the boyfriend is almost always the guilty party in these cases. Yes, Danny Belknap is innocent until proven guilty … but there obviously is good reason to suspect him.

Danny has been in custody for some time on drug charges, so the police and prosecutors have had time to build a case for murder. They didn’t need to rush to charge him, because he was already behind bars. In those circumstances, there is every reason to take things slowly and build a solid case before convening a grand jury and presenting formal charges.

In my opinion, I think it’s a safe bet that felony endangerment of a child is the MINIMUM charge that Danny Belknap and Erin Yocum will face when all is decided. Maybe the prosecutors are reaching and hoping for a break by charging Danny with murder … or maybe not. We shall see as the trial commences.
By Deana O, December 28, 2007 @ 1:26 pm

Here is a link to another article about Daniel Belknap in today’s Peoria Journal Star:

http://www.pjstar.com/stories/122807/REG_BFB45V9H.033.php
By Sad, December 30, 2007 @ 6:58 pm

It is so sad that with all Erin has been through, her own father and step-mother want to see her put away. How can she take anymore?
By A Family Friend, January 1, 2008 @ 5:19 am

If you know anything about Erin’s Dad and have spent any time with him or her step-mom they only want the truth to be revealed. No one can explain the pain they have endured. They do Not wish any thing bad and do nothing but love Erin. Nothing hurts as bad as all of this. You imagine what all of this is like.
By Sad, January 1, 2008 @ 3:10 pm

And deserting his daughter and telling lies about her helps how? He wants her to tell the truth. How do they know she hasn’t told evrything she knows. They do not believe in her and the fact that she has cooperated in every way means nothing to them. She pays the price for her mistakes everyday. That is sad. No matter what she does it will never be good enough fo them. They only think of their pain. The pain is far outreached but none more severe than to SIlven’s Mommy.
By A Family Friend, January 1, 2008 @ 6:53 pm

You will see it as you do obviously, but must not really know them.
By wake up, January 1, 2008 @ 6:57 pm

thank you “family friend”.
By new year/new life, January 3, 2008 @ 9:07 pm

A birthday wish for Erin to find peace in her life as hard as it may be at this time.
By So sad, January 9, 2008 @ 11:34 pm

Of course Danny kept asking Erin if Silvie was alright. He was scared to death how bad he hurt her.
By Suttergirlatheart, January 12, 2008 @ 10:30 pm

OMG, I live in Cincinnati but am from the Sutter, Illinois area and knew Danny through my cousin Zach. I just found out about this today from my brother. I am in total shock about this. What I remember of Danny is that he was a good kid at heart…..like to party a lot…….but was a really good friend to Zach. It’s hard for me to believe that he could have done this BUT I do know people who have gotten messed up on meth. They don’t care about anyone but themselves, their very irritable, and whoever it was that said that meth didn’t mess Danny up ( in one of the above posts) I don’t believe it. You can’t do that stuff and not be a compeltely different person. Take Danny out of the picture for a minute……a meth addict with a 5 year old crying and getting on his nerves…..yeah, I can see something crazy happening to the child. Anyway, as I stated at the beginning, the Danny I remember could not have done that….but I’ve not seen or talked to him in atleast 10-12 years. Meth can do a lot of crazy things!
By wish to remain anon, January 13, 2008 @ 5:10 am

update…. Erin lost the baby.
By MandaYo, January 13, 2008 @ 7:41 pm

God has a plan. I’ll continue to pray for Erin.

Thank you ‘A Family Friend’. It’s nice to see there are still people out there that are only here to support, not prolong rumors and detour from the reality of the situation.
By Not a fan..., January 14, 2008 @ 2:06 pm

Does anyone know if the court hearings will be open to the public or closed sessions?
By finally justice, January 14, 2008 @ 4:11 pm

The paper said Friday the trial will start in April and the states attorney is asking the county for funding to have the experts needed in this trial. I think it should be open to the public but I doubt if it is, there will be too much risk of outbursts!!!! there’s alot of pissed off people in this area and so many different opinions, there would probably end up being a riot!!!!
By confused, January 19, 2008 @ 10:11 pm

Just found the new web page.

So, if she is not pregnant, then will the judge rethink his decision about letting her out for medical reasons?

Deana O- I read your comment about Erin showing no remorse. I went to school with Erin and her brother. I do not know Danny that well. I DO know that when Danny got the call on his cell phone that they were shutting off the life support, that he cried like a baby. When Erin was done at the funeral home she sat down at a friends table and scratched off lottery tickets while her friend cried.

I have no idea what happened to Sylvie, but I hope the truth does come out SOMEDAY!
By The truth is finally out...., January 26, 2008 @ 6:36 pm

The truth has come out…Daniel confussed to the murder…said he needed to tell someone so he could get into heaven! I hope to hell he rots in hell. All you people out there that blames Erin, what the hell do you have to say now?
By Deana O, January 27, 2008 @ 9:41 am

All I have to say is that she knew he did it and never opened her mouth to say a word about it. As far as I am concerned, she is every bit as guilty.
By It's Time to Quit It!!!, January 27, 2008 @ 5:06 pm

Deana O–Do you even know Erin?? You sure have a lot of hate in your judgemental heart and for that you will have to answer some day.

How do you know what she has shared with the authorities?

That’s right you don’t. You only assume.

And we all know that isn’t all you will have to say.
By Knight in Dragonland, January 27, 2008 @ 5:23 pm

It’s Time to Quit It …
What we all know is that Erin chose to have her child around a drug dealer. What we all know is that Erin used drugs herself, likely in the presence of her child. What we all know is that there was a significant delay in seeking treatment for Silven.

Erin may not have struck any blows, but she certainly carries a high degree of culpability in this matter. She is still charged with endangering the life of a child, and I doubt that Daniel’s confession to murder will mitigate that. I would certainly hope not, or justice will be poorly served.
By Setting u Straight, January 27, 2008 @ 7:39 pm

As of Wed, the day of the Discovery Hearing Danny had NOT confessed. So to “the truth is finally out” has been misinformed.
By Deana O, January 28, 2008 @ 3:55 pm

From what I saw in the hospital waiting room…she’s not the type of person that I would ever want to know. If I’m full of hate for someone who allows another person to murder her child, guess that’s the way it goes…
By Knight in Dragonland, January 28, 2008 @ 9:29 pm

I was wondering why we hadn’t heard anything about this supposed confession in the mainstream media. Thanks for clearing that up, Setting.

The truth is finally out … not so much. Please refrain from spreading unfounded rumors, or you’ll find yourself banned from my blog.
By The truth is finally out...., January 29, 2008 @ 2:12 pm

block me then but I know for a fact that he confessed! Deana O you don’t even know Erin. You have no idea what she has gone thru. {EDITED} And for It’s time to quite it thanks for standing by Erin. I’ve really gotten to know her these past few months and she is a good person.

{EDITED}
By Deana O, January 29, 2008 @ 3:53 pm

I guess she has charges against her for no reason as well?
By Knight in Dragonland, January 29, 2008 @ 10:26 pm

The truth is finally out … Last warning. Quit swearing at people. Do you actually think that helps your case? Just the opposite.

Someone who leaves nasty, foul-mouthed inarticulate rants has found common cause with Erin Yocum … that makes me feel SO sympathetic. // sarcasm //
By Peoria Advocate, January 30, 2008 @ 7:02 am

Erin would NOT approve. This has to be from someone Erin has tried to work with in the program. She has worked with some really hard core people. This person doesn’t know any better.

Knight PLEASE block her.
It makes Erin look bad. Erin certainly would not speak that way. Nor would she want to hurt the case.
By Standing by Danny, January 30, 2008 @ 2:25 pm

Danny has NOT confessed to anything. Because he is not responsible. I talk to him and visit him on a regular basis and I can tell you honestly that he has NOT confessed. I do not know where these rumors start, or why people are so eager to spread them. But it is not true. So, “the truth is finally out,” you say you know “for a fact” that he confessed, but it seems that all you know is how to spew obscenities at other people. Just for amusement, since we all know it is not truth, who did he supposedly confess to? Unless you have already been banned…
By Curious, January 30, 2008 @ 2:36 pm

What I would like to know is, what are Erin’s thoughts on Danny, and vice versa. I’m sure they are both proclaiming their own innocence. But does anyone who actually talks to either Erin or Danny know how they feel about each other? Are they blaming each other? Or are they a united front (whether covering for each other or just unsure of the other one’s guilt).
By A Loving Mother., February 7, 2008 @ 10:10 pm

The thing that kills me to hear is all of this babbling about this person did this and this person did that. I am so sorry that there are so many people so ready to come to the call for the adults responsible here but not really caring for the child that suffered so heinously. Silvie was a beautiful little girl and I miss her much. As for daniel not being involved and telling erin to check on her daughter all that I can say is why did he not if he believed there was something wrong. I do believe he knew how to operate a telephone and if I thought there was something wrong with a child in my home I would be on it.. Let us face the fact that there is no such thing as a functioning drug addict and if he was not afraid of being found out for selling meth he would have called. I am not blaming one person or another but let us all bring it back to the child and stop trying to get grown folks who know better out of trouble… They let Silvie take care of herself now let them take care of themselves and whomever did this to her will find a special place in hell. God can sort it out.
By A Loving Mother., February 7, 2008 @ 10:51 pm

Oh ya and one more thing that I forgot to mention is meth does things to people. It can change a nonviolent person into a monster. So please Standing by danny dont tell people that your friend is incapable cause any addict coming down is capable of doing terrible things this does not mean that he meant to but it does happen so unless you were there getting high next to him for the days prior to silvies injuries then you cant say that you know that he did not do anything wrong.
By Standing by Danny, February 8, 2008 @ 12:43 pm

A Loving Mother - have you ever been strung out on meth or been an addict, or even been close to people who are? If not, then you need to stop talking like you know about something that you obviously would not. It’s not everything you read in the papers or see on TV. If so, then I’m sure you know that drugs affect people in different ways. I cannot say how it would affect or change anyone else exactly. I can say how it affected Danny, because I know. And that’s how I can say that I know he would never have hurt Silvie, even if he was strung out or coming down.

I think that everyone speaking in this blog did care about what happened to Silvie. It was horrible and tragic. To say that people here are “not really caring” about what happened to her is callous and rude, as you do not know what everyone here is feeling. If we/they did not care then there would not be nearly this many blog posts. I do not agree with everyone that has posted. We all have different opinions as to what happened and who was responsible. But we are all hurting from this loss, some more than others, but still hurting just the same. And I believe everyone here cares deeply and that is why they have such strong opinions. And I admire them for their convictions, whether I agree with them or not. Just because you care deeply does not mean that others do not, and your pain does not diminish anyone else’s. I think it would do you good to remember that before you judge people here for expressing our feelings.
By wish to remain anon, February 8, 2008 @ 1:16 pm

Well said.
By Deana O., February 8, 2008 @ 3:11 pm

I think if nothing else, we can all agree that we want some answers and we can agree that Silvie, an innocent child and the victim in this case, deserves to have justice served.
By A Loving Mother., February 8, 2008 @ 5:24 pm

To answer the question above, yes I have been in 2 different long term relationships with meth addicts. I have seen many friends hit bottom and are completely happy that they are not there anymore. I have seen the highs and the extreme lows. I have watched the niceset people snap and become violent and have watched them sleep for days cause thier bodies are worn out. No it is not like TV there are not always good endings the only ones that I have seen have been lucky from people who have quit. I am in no way trying to judge. My remarks were in response to listening to others judging, I read in one post that it was not his responsibility but hers to take care of silvie. My point was that it was both thier responsibility because they were both there and both negligent. I am not accusing anyone of anything other than that. I dont know what happened I was not there. I am only waiting just like everyone else for the truth to come out someday no matter what it is. As for judgement that is for the courts and god. I learned a long time ago that anger does no good and to put it in gods hands. I do not want you to think that I am insulting your friend. If daniel did not hurt silvie it will be found out. Everything comes out in the end.
By Peoria Advocate, February 9, 2008 @ 3:30 pm

Believe it or not (and some will not)..Erin was a Loving Mother too. Silvie loved her and she loved Silvie with all her heart. She was sick (proof of that) so sick that she relied on the other adult in the house to take over. She is the deepest kind of heart-broken. The kind of heart broken that will never heal. That is why those of us who know that have such a hard time with the judgemntal comments. The truth will come out.
By Remember her..., March 14, 2008 @ 7:44 am

As things quiet down and more and more time passes, it makes me wonder if there will ever be justice served for Silven? I sure hope so…this is a long time to wait for some answers.
By DeanaO, March 16, 2008 @ 7:32 am

I often wonder the very same thing…it’s quite saddening to think that justice may never be served. I haven’t forgotten about Silven. I am just waiting to hear about any new developments in the case. I hope we hear something soon.
By finally justice, March 21, 2008 @ 3:38 pm

todays pjstar has an article in local and state bout Belknap, they found out that he used his hands not an object to hit Silvie in the head and she was shoved, they dismissed the orginal charges and charged hime with 2 counts of 1st degree murder
By at a loss of understanding, March 25, 2008 @ 11:19 am

I just happened upon this blog today. I thought I would see if anything would come up if I put in a search and this is where I ended up. I am at such a loss of understanding the case of Sylvan’s death. What got me going about this again was an article in The Macomb Journal Weekend, March 22-23. Please keep in mind the paper for which this was published and the fact that the reporter mixed up Yocum and Belknap more than once in the small article. According to the article, Belknap was originally charged with one count of first degree murder and two counts of endangering the health or life of a child. On the previous Thursday, those charges were dimissed and new ones were filed, two counts of first degree murder and one felony count of child endangerment. Yocum is charged with felony and misdemeanor child endangerment and is free on bond. I cannot imagine the word misdemeanor being to describe anything having to do with the death of this child. I have several questions and comments, so I am going to break them down in hopes that someone can help me to understand.
By at a loss of understanding, March 25, 2008 @ 11:27 am

Why was there so little coverage about Sylvan’s death? This is a small community, people are concerned and devastated when something of this degree happens. Instead of giving answers it seemed as if it was no big deal, lets just sweep it under the rug and it will be forgotten. It was never forgotten, it was just left for everyone to speculate what the reasons for the hush hush were. I heard alot of those speculation over the last year and I have my own, but I cannot imagine what could supercede the unneccessary death of this innocent child.
By at a loss of understanding, March 25, 2008 @ 11:35 am

Why is Yocum out on bond? So she could conveniently become pregnant with another child and lose it. Wasn’t the unnessary death of one child enough? Children do not have a choice in the environment for which they live, adults make that choice for them. Yocum knew the choices she made for her own life were not those which were acceptable for a child. Having the loss of Sylvan should have been proof enough for her. Why did she let herself become pregnant? It looks to me as if the pregnancy happened and ended with suspicious coincidences.
By at a loss of understanding, March 25, 2008 @ 12:06 pm

Yocum may or may not have been behind the force of the blow which killed her daughter, but she is guilty. She is guilty of making the choice to be put her daughter in an environment that eventually lead to her unneccessary death. It all comes down to the choices that Yocum made. She chose to give birth and “raise” Sylvan. When she chose to become a mother her number one purpose in life bacame that of protector of her child, for which she sadly failed. She choice meth over her daughter, when her life came to that why did she not love her daughter enough to let someone else take her and give her the life she deserved. Or is that how she sees it now. Where were the family and friends of Yocum and Belknap when their lives became so consumed with meth? I find it hard to understand how Yocum the “loving mother” and Belknap the “fully functional addict” could have changed so much without someone noticing and caring or loving one of them or Sylvan enough to step in. Those who did notice but chose to stand back have that bit of guilt to live with themselves.
By family, March 26, 2008 @ 4:54 am

1. Lives were not consumed with meth.
2. Family never saw Yocum high or impaired in any way.
3. Family only saw loving between Mother and Daughter. They were more than Mother and Daughter, they were best friends. She played with her, sang with her, danced with her, painted with her.
4. Police never swept anything under the rug. They have been woking very hard and are not obligated to report to you their every move.
5. You as many other don’t know the facts. When you do someday soon I hope you will feel like such a jerk.
6. Silven SILVEN spell it right.
7. Silven was adored.
By Family2, March 26, 2008 @ 11:01 am

To: At a loss of understanding:
That baby that was lost was going to be my niece or nephew. That baby would of been loved and taken care of by Erin and my brother.
Who the hell are you to judge anybody. Erin and my brother were both so hurt over the loss of the baby. Do you even know Erin or are you going by what you have read? I know Erin! Love Erin! Do you know the lenght of treatment Erin has gone thru since the loss of her daughter? Erin is a good person. My daughter thinks the world of Erin. In my daughters eyes, Erin is her girl, her best friend and only has nothing by love for her. Erin loves her back and I trust her with Erin 100%. I agree with “Family”. I hope when this trail is all over with and everything is out all you haters out there eat your words. In all the pictures I have seen of Silven she looked like a very heathly loving little girl who loved her mom.
By finally justice, March 26, 2008 @ 9:20 pm

People do follow this case and as for the media coverage, im glad they stay out of it until there are facts stated, this is a small community and there have been tons of stories going around about what happened and all we want to know are the facts, as far as her being guilty……..her judgement was impaired by her heavy drug use…….but I am a mother also and I know that my mothery instinct kicks in when my child is troubled, (notice i used the word troubled), im talking about upset about things at school, spats with friends, boyfriend problems, bottom line is I KNOW when my daughter is hurting with out her telling me, therfore I CAN NOT understand this, I KNOW I would KNOW if my daughter was being traumatized and I would be there in a heart beat to protect her……I guess I never realized that drug abuse numbs your motherly instinct and I DO NOT believe that it should be an excuse. Silvie was a beautiful, smart, bubbly little girl that loved life, she always had a smile on her face, there was no reason for this to happen. ANYONE INVOLVED needs to face the same charges as Belknap and go to prison for the rest of their life. I know that Erin has been in treatment and is trying to move on with her life, I completely understand the treatment (which I think she had no choice because of the drug charges), but have another baby??? It floored me…GOD took care of that, she had one of his ANGELS and failed tremendously!!! I think it was disrespectful to Silvie and to be honest it made me sick. As for the new “family”, you people have met the “new Erin”, I know the old one and I don’t care what all she has done to “improve” herself, she has a dark cloud that will follow her for the rest of her life and thats something that will NEVER go away.
By Deana O, March 29, 2008 @ 5:01 pm

It remains that there are some who support Erin and those of us who do not. No matter what, we hold her accountable for failing horribly as a mother. No amount of convincing will change my mind about her just as I am sure those of you who support her will continue to do so. Do we really gain anything by rehashing old arguments concerning Erin? You will never convince me that she is a good person who just by chance allowed her daughter to be murdered. I cannot comprehend how anyone in their right mind would get involved with someone with her past, let alone want to have a child with her. SILVEN is STILL awaiting justice-plain and simple. Enough said.
By Peoria Advocate, April 5, 2008 @ 7:22 am

And it remains that this is all about Erin and not the one who killed Silven. An Erin BASHING that makes me sick. Silven would be so upset with the things you say about her Mommy.
Finally Justice says she knows when her kids are upset. How do you know that Silven was upset?? If you know that Silven was being traumatized prior to the fatal attack, then you should be contacting the authorities immediately.
HEAVY drug use…you know this how?? She had known Danny for 4 months.
Erin was sleeping when Silven was attacked. You have all slept late when you were sick. And you have all had times when you left responsibility to the other adult in the house. Remember that Silven was not an infant. She could get up and go crawl in bed with Mommy if she wanted to.
How do you all assume that you know everything?
You will all have to answer to God for you witch hunting.
By at a loss of understanding, April 5, 2008 @ 9:53 pm

Family-I sincerely apologize for the misspelling of Silven’s name, there was definitely no disrespect intended. That day I was full of questions and thoughts, the spelling was out of habit not intentional.
As far as family “never” seeing Yocum high or impaired in anyway, I might be able to go along with someone not realizing it, but not the whole family.

Family2-I never said Erin was a bad person, she made some bad choices.

Peoria Advocate-Your questioning of Finally Justice’s comments makes no sense. She never said “she” knew Silven was being traumatized. I never read were anyone blamed Erin or Danny’s drug use on the other. And what does Silven not being an infant and could crawl in bed with her mommy if she wanted to, got to do with anything?

No one in here knows what happened, all any of us knows is hearsay. Even those of you who are strong Erin supporters and strong Danny supporters, only know what you have been told by them. You were not there, or if you were you should be right there with Erin and Danny until the truth comes out. I believe there is only one person who fully knows what happened to Silven and that is Silven.

As far as answering to God, I will have no problem with that when my day comes and He is who I will be answering to.
By mommyto3, April 11, 2008 @ 9:18 am

Read the peoria journal star Friday edition pjstar.com Regional & State News. Cellmates tell of abuse confessions.

Silven someone will pay for what they did to you. In one way or another. Either here on earth or at the pearly gates. Hopefully both. I’m so sorry noone helped you in time sweet lil girl.(Especially not your supposeded mother) Just know that there are alot of us here on earth praying for you everyday. Thinking of you everyday. Missing you everyday. I hope that you are happy now. One thing is for sure there is no suffering for you anymore. We all love you Silven!
By Deana O, April 11, 2008 @ 8:41 pm

Here is a link to story in today’s Peoria Journal Star that is mentioned in the above post:

http://www.pjstar.com/stories/041108/REG_BGAEJ4D4.033.php
By A Loving Mother, April 12, 2008 @ 11:30 am

I agree with you finally justice silvie was one of the angels here on earth and she is greatly missed. Those beautiful dark eyes and warm smile. Her big hugs and loving soul will always be treasured and missed. To those who knew her they are forever changed and will forever miss her. I dont have anything negative to say. I just pray for justice on her.
By finally justice, April 15, 2008 @ 3:19 pm

I just read the article from the link above, it just breaks my heart to hear details about what happened to that sweet baby and this is just the tip of the iceburg. It enrages me also, I heard from the very beginning that this beating was a punishment for her telling on those two at school about the drugs, I just blew it off as a rumor, but sadly it turned out to be a fact. Now how sad is that? Why didn’t the school do something, especially a D.A.R.E. officer!!!! My gosh its no secret around here about the meth problem and all allegations of the manufacture, use and or anything of the sort should be taken seriously even if it came from a 5 year old, actually ESPECIALLY if it came from a 5 year old. That poor little thing, I’m sitting here typing this with tears in my eyes, I can’t even imagine what was going through her mind as this happened to her. I just pray that God stepped in and protected her from the all the pain. I pray that sick S.O.B. gets what he deserves, I know he will when he faces God, but he needs to punished here to as well to the fullest extent.
By Standing by Danny, April 16, 2008 @ 3:44 pm

Finally Justice - how can you say that something “turned out to be a fact” when you have no idea?? Just because two convicts who are wanting to strike a deal and get out early are claiming that they know something?? That does not make it a fact, that makes it hearsay. I am enraged also about what happened to that poor little girl. But let’s not let our emotions get in the way of the real truth, which has not come out yet. We are all still waiting for the facts of this case.
By momof2, April 22, 2008 @ 6:50 am

[CONTENTS OF POST DELETED BY BLOGMASTER]
By Peoria Advocate, April 22, 2008 @ 7:44 am

Yes, you do sleep alot when you are THAT sick. You do not know the circumstances. You do not know of her health condition. None of you know. She made a terrible choice to stay with Danny. She has to live with that for what time she has left.
By Deana O, April 22, 2008 @ 6:51 pm

Yes, she does…it was a CHOICE that Erin made. What CHOICE did Danny and Erin give Silven? Who made the CHOICE for that innocent little baby who saw her mom and her boyfriend doing wrong and wanted to tell someone about it. Does that merit being punched in the face and shoved so hard against something that Silven ended up brain dead? If all of that is true, it had to be quite a commotion…and yet Erin slept through it all. Silven was put to bed that night either unconscious or feeling excruciating pain and Danny and Erin probably just hoped that she would sleep it off.

I don’t give a rat’s ass what happens to either one of them. The only sympathy I feel and will ever feel is for Silven.

I can’t believe that there are still people out there wanting to justify Silven’s death. What a slap in the face to the memory of that innocent little girl.
By momof2, April 22, 2008 @ 8:52 pm

[ CONTENTS OF POST DELETED BY BLOGMASTER]

Momof2 … you are more than welcome to post your opinion here, but your language is excessive. Tone it down, or I’ll have to ban you.
KiD
By momof2, April 23, 2008 @ 1:21 pm

The trial is open to the public , come out and show your support for Silven
By Deana O, April 23, 2008 @ 2:00 pm

Where is the trial being held?
By momof2, April 23, 2008 @ 4:23 pm

Macomb, IL at the McDonough County Courthouse. Right in the center of Macomb. The paper said May 19 the Jury Trial should start.
By Deana O, April 23, 2008 @ 6:36 pm

Thank you momof2.
By Peoria Advocate, April 23, 2008 @ 9:28 pm

Never once have I seen or read where anyone justified Silven’s death. You act like a bunch of rabid mad dog women that love to hate someone you don’t even know.
If you were there and know that Silven was punched in the face, you are withholding information. This is what I mean you people assume you know what happened. You assume you know what Erin is like. And very seldom do you people mention Danny.
My hope is that it will be determined that this was a one time fatal act of abuse.
Silven was a happy girl. She would have told someone if this had been going on.
Just be careful that your assumtions don’t become fact in your head. Try to be human and show some compassion for Silven’s Mommy. Silven loved her. If you want to honor Silven as we all do, then be kinder to her Mommy. That is what Silven would want.
By Another Advocate, April 23, 2008 @ 10:34 pm

Deana O
Do you know Erin?
Did you know Silven?

I am sure yu will want to ne on the front row.
By Deana O, April 24, 2008 @ 6:10 am

I was at the hospital for my Dad after Silven had been admitted to the ICU (Intensive Care Unit). I was also there when they decided to stop life support and when they wheeled Silven’s little body out. Someone was there the entire time for my Dad, 24 hours a day. As I stated before, the ICU had one waiting room for all. Erin’s behavior there was very disturbing and very bizarre for someone who’s child had recieved an injury so serious that it caused her to be brain dead.

I don’t care to be in the front row. I only want justice to be served. Does it not bother you to pick up the paper each day and read that we have parents killing their own children, kids throwing bricks over an overpass and killing someone for kicks, etc? Kids are being raised without the ability to have compassion for others. Parents are too concerned about their own needs and wants to put their children and their safety first.

It’s pointless to try and argue with any of you and try to convince you to see things MY way. I respect that you feel the way you do and you should respect my feelings as well. My feelings are based upon what I saw at the hospital and what I have read in the news, etc.

As for my statement about justifying Silven’s death, what I meant was that so many are trying to justify Danny and Erin’s actions (she was really sick, etc., didn’t have her glasses on). If this was a ONE TIME act of abuse towards Silven, isn’t that enough? It lead to her death!!!!! What in the hell more do we need to know?
By Deana O, April 24, 2008 @ 12:08 pm

“My hope is that it will be determined that this was a one time fatal act of abuse.”

This has to be the lamest thing I have ever read on this site.

Heck, he didn’t mean to do it and it is only ONE TIME that his actions have resulted in the death of a child. (You can’t really blame him for his actions, he was afterall, high at the time and we already know he’s a fully functioning meth addict). Can’t we all just overlook this, just this once…please? How many times can a child be abused fatally? What are you thinking? That if it is determined that this is the ONE TIME Danny’s ever killed a child, that he can still be an outstanding guy and we can all overlook that one tiny fault of his. Amazing!

Oh yes, and I am dying to know…exactly what are the two of you ADVOCATES of? I’d sure like to know!
By Care Giver, April 24, 2008 @ 3:59 pm

Deana, I can’t speak for anyone else, but I think the interpretation that might have been intended was referring to the wish that Silven did not suffer any other physical episodes over a period time. Child abuse is typically a pattern over time, and no one close to Silven observed that pattern. The “hope” in sayinig “one-time act” could most likely mean an isolated event — 1st degree murder–which led to her death. Probably ‘hope’ is not the best choice of words, ‘belief’ might have been better. The writer ‘believed’ that it was a one-time fatal act of abuse.. It may have sounded lame to you, but probably represents the hope of many.
In terms of advocacy, my guess is that someone might believe that they are standing up and speaking out for Silven, and what’s just and right in her name.
Deana, be careful about the assumptions and the judgments that you make. You’ve made many the last year and a half that you have never been called on, because it’s a waste of energy and time to bother with most of the ignorance on this blog in the first place. It sounds very self-righteous when you pretend to know how a mother who has lost a beloved child should feel and act. There is no “normal” where that experience comes to pass. I hope you’ll never ever have to feel that pain. Please just let us prepare our hearts that we can finally get ready to accept God’s peace for us and everlasting love and freedom for Silven.
By Another Advocate, April 24, 2008 @ 4:19 pm

AMEN
By The First Setting U Straight, April 26, 2008 @ 6:55 pm

The Lord will hand out JUSTICE FOR SILVEN.
Think about you every day Silvie.
By Sick of the world, May 2, 2008 @ 9:15 am

The Lord said Do unto others as you would have done upon yourself. All of you who are judging everyone involved are really no better than them. You may have not had instrumentation in the death of Silven and may think that you are a good person, however, judging everyone else is a crock. The only one to judge will be the Lord. I am a mother and don’t understand how this could happen either, however, it is not for us to set around and think up nasty things to say about Erin or Danny. They will receive justice eventually. As for all you people praying for Silven…..she is in a way better place now than all of us……….and maybe you should pray for yourselves to receive understanding, mercy, forgiveness, and guidance on how to be a better person…
By O Please, May 6, 2008 @ 8:21 am

Just to let everyone know they said on the news today that Erin and Danny go back to court today. Does anyone know what this is for I thought the court date wasnt until May 19? It was on WGEM channel 10.
By Deana O, May 9, 2008 @ 6:05 am

There was an article in yesterday’s Peoria Journal Star about moving Danny’s trial AND his attorney wants the charges dropped against him. I just can’t believe that it is almost TWO YEARS later and little Silven has STILL not received justice!

Here is a link to the story:

http://www.pjstar.com/stories/050808/REG_BGIGQ589.033.php
By mommy2be, May 10, 2008 @ 11:06 pm

I know erin and I can say that she would never do something that horrid to her precious baby gitl. I talked to erin many times about how she was feeling and she was completely horrified, depressed, and torn up inside.
To Deana O. How is a mother supposed to act in the ER, I would accept bizzare actions, I didnt know there was a “normal conduct” She was in shock. She has horrible diabeties so of course she needed to eat. Leave erin alone, she is a wonderful person, and the family is right, Silven would not want such terrible things said about her mommy. Erin loved that girl and still does very very much.
By SoManyInDenial, May 21, 2008 @ 12:30 pm

Why do so many people refuse to take in the truth. I don’t see the finger pointing at Erin for the physical abuse that Silvie suffered. It was her failure to act as a loving mother and DO SOMETHING! All she had to do was CALL FOR HELP! What Mother in this blog WOULD NOT DO AT LEAST THIS MUCH in any condition?

And for the love of God, stop playing the diabeties card! For someone with such severe diabeties, why was Erin fond of mixed alcoholic drinks?! I’m sure her drinking had a positive effect on her health.

Don’t be blind.
By Another Advocate, May 22, 2008 @ 6:47 am

She sure would have called if she had known.
Mixed drinks???? When, where?
By Confused!, May 22, 2008 @ 8:46 am

I have been reading this web page for a long time now. Have always wanted to put my two cents in but thought it was for the best to stay out of it. I am writing today b/c I watched the news this morning. It brought tears to my eyes once again. To see that Erin walking without any tears in her eyes killed me. Seeing Danny on TV this morning is the way he looked 12 years ago (brought back lots of memoryâ€™s). I know Danny and his family (GREAT people), have never met Erin. Im sure there is a reason for Danny never introducing her to me. Because he knew I would never approve. Danny was a great guy, but will have to say “WE” never know what drugs are going to do to a person and how they would react after being up for days. I just pray along with all of you that justice is found soon. And when justice is found that they take in consideration of all who was involved. Everyone has there feelings & opinions and in my case I feel that there should be two people go down for this and serve time. That would be the victim that kicked that little girl, and the mother that didnâ€™t save that little girls life by taking her to the hospital when it happened. I didnâ€™t get to meet that beautiful little girl all iv seen is pictures on TV but as for any young youth they are filled full of joy and happiness that is something that she will never get to experience ever again. â€œSAD VERY SADâ€. I didnâ€™t want this to be a bashing section or turn out that way just felt like it was time for me to write a few things. Just as everyone does everyday - letâ€™s keep praying that this all gets resolved that laid to rest so that little girl up stirs in gods hands can lay in piece. One last thing Deana O I enjoyed reading your comments. Itâ€™s nice to know that someone was in that hospital that day had no idea who these people were, etc. and you figured Erin out pretty fast. Would like to meet you some day.
By SICK OF THE WORLD, May 22, 2008 @ 10:13 am

To Confused: I am sure that you think danny was a great guy, however, do you really think that he would be in jail right now if they did not have proof that he did this to Silven? Think about it for just a minute. Also, how is the person that kicked Silven a “victim”? There were two adults in that house and one child, a child that should have been protected and loved by all. I am a mother and would not allow this to happen to my child, however, Erin was not the only responsible adult in the house.
By SoManyInDenial, May 22, 2008 @ 11:26 am

I had plenty of interaction with Erin and Danny at local bars. As did many other people around here who knew both of them.
By THINK FOR A MINUTE....., May 22, 2008 @ 12:44 pm

If you all had PLENTY of interaction with Erin and Danny in the “local bars” don’t you think maybe YOU should have contacted someone about the welfare of her child so that it could have been investigated and possibly helped Silven? I am not in denial about who is at fault…….
By Deana O, May 22, 2008 @ 1:22 pm

Here are two stories from yesterday and today on the trial:

http://www.wgem.com/News/index.php?ID=24924

http://www.pjstar.com/news_state/x1192323392/Mother-of-slain-child-takes-stand

I’ll refrain from commenting as I am waiting for the outcome of this trial.

Still thinking of you Silven and praying that justice is served very soon. You’ve waited long enough…
By ComeOn, May 22, 2008 @ 3:25 pm

Think for a minute…Are you saying that anytime a parent is out at one of these “local bars” someone should be contacted about the welfare of their child? Give me a break. Erin being in a bar has no bearing as to what type of parent she was to Silven. Do you realize how many parents go out??
By Deana O, May 22, 2008 @ 7:38 pm

Here are two stories that have been posted in the last couple of days concerning the trial:

http://www.wgem.com/News/index.php?ID=24924

http://www.pjstar.com/news_state/x1192323392/Mother-of-slain-child-takes-stand

http://www.wgem.com/News/index.php?ID=24977

I hope that justice is served for you soon Silven.
By Confused!, May 23, 2008 @ 12:22 am

Sick of the world: I HAVE THOUGHT SERVERAL MINUTES IN A DAY LOTS OF DAYS SINCE THIS HAS HAPPENED!! I am sure that Danny is in jail for a reason. If he did it then he deserves to pay no matter how much I love that man. How ever many responsible adults were around they should all be held accountable. Specially letting that little girl lay there and suffer like she did b/f something was done. I do not want this to start as a bashing section like I said from the start. Just felt the need to say a few things so I did. â€œOKâ€ let me rephrase this the â€œâ€personâ€â€ that kicked Silven in the back needs to pay along with that mother that let that child lay there suffering before taken to the hospital. I really donâ€™t want this to get into a big â€œâ€bashing sectionâ€â€. Just let people say what they want and go on. And all pray for that little girl up in Heaven that she gets peace in her other life she is living now.
By Love, May 23, 2008 @ 11:12 pm

I just saw this site today. I knew Erin. My husband knew Danny. My heart goes out to both of them and their families. Both were good people and still are - when they aren’t on meth. Meth changes people. I know. I’m a mother that has been clean for 3 years now thanks to Jesus Christ. Silven will get her justice even if we don’t see it. She’s in heaven not having to put up with the crap of this world, and the people that are at fault and didn’t make the right choices for her well being are suffering wether we see it or not. I pray for all that are involved because I would not want to be in their place. If people have never been in Erin’s or Danny’s situation with the exact cercumstances, then we have no right to assume anything or judge anyone. None of us are perfect, and none of us truly know all that is involved in this case. I trust that Jesus will make sure that Silven will get justice one way or the other. For the families involved my prayers are with you. Erin and Danny, my prayers are with you. Erik, my prayers are with you. Silven was a child full of love. She hated drugs, not Erin or Danny. Would Silven want everyone hating and judging Erin and Danny? I don’t think so. How would a 5 year old see all of this? What would Silven say about this case if she could speak to us from Heaven right now? Would she be angery or enjoying Heaven? I don’t know the answers to these questions. Its just something that we all need to think about and keep in mind. I hate that this aweful thing happened! My heart breaks everytime I think about it. I know that Silven is in Heaven with my daughter Faith and that they are playing together in Heaven right now. This is what I want to think about when I think about this case instead of all of the wrongs and hate that is going on.
By Your wrong, May 24, 2008 @ 2:19 pm

As far as your comment about Silvie not wanting people judging or hating Danny…Silvie was hating Danny in August, she was acting out towards him, she was jealous and wanted Andy back in Erin’s life. I can’t stand half the bull that gets thrown here and people trying to say what they think a 5 yr old would say..it’s sick. So go read your Bible some more and tell yourself some more lies.
By Deana O, May 28, 2008 @ 7:24 pm

Story today on the WGEM website:

http://www.wgem.com/News/index.php?ID=25154
By Deana O, May 29, 2008 @ 9:50 am

Today’s Peoria Journal Star story:

http://www.pjstar.com/news/x491727979/Belknap-denies-talking-to-snitches
By kathleen yocum, May 29, 2008 @ 11:13 pm

God bless you Dean O, and all you others that have kept Silvie in your prayers. Justice has been served, found guilty on both counts. We miss her dearly, forever in our hearts.
By Deana O, May 30, 2008 @ 3:39 am

God Bless YOU and YOUR family Kathleen. I hope that this verdict gives you a tiny bit of peace. I know that your lives will never be the same with Silven being gone, but we can all rejoice now knowing that justice for Silven has finally been served. I will never in my life forget her or what she went through.

http://www.macombjournal.com/homepage/x1346456350

http://www.wgem.com/News/index.php?ID=25203

http://www.pjstar.com/news/x491728309/Belknap-guilty-in-5-year-olds-death
By momof2, May 30, 2008 @ 2:23 pm

Amen to that!!! Now Silven can get some peace that justice was served. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Yocum Family. God Bless You!!!!
By jennifer crabill johnson, May 30, 2008 @ 8:38 pm

I will never be able to thank all of the people who gave up so much of their own personal time to help make justice for Silvie possible. GOD bless you and your families. SIlvie will forever be a part of the hearts of McDonough county. May her name and heart always live on to give us strength to do positive in not only our own lives but in the lives of others.
I will never ever forget you sweet baby girl. I love you always Sivie!
By one who knows, July 9, 2008 @ 1:35 pm

I know Danny,actually I am his brothers girlfriend. He is a wonderful person who got lost in meth. Erin is a lier, she does use meth, I have seen her under the influance of it many times. She is also a very selfish manipitulive person. Danny loved Sylven and I do not belive he hurt her in any way. The meda made him out to be a monster but I know the real person and he is far from being capable of murder. Everyone only speaks about her pain and her familys, but his family,my family has felt just as much pain. Don’t think that I don’t feel saddness for the loss of that beautiful little girls life,because I do every day. But I feel sadness for Dannys loss of his life too. I feel sadness that my boyfriend has to see his brother through a peice of glass.Most of all I feel sorry for Danny’s mother and father who are wonderful people.
By Still Not Believing, August 13, 2008 @ 2:45 pm

It is very disturbing the way the court allowed Erin to plea bargin.

I feel it shows money does talk.

However Judgement day will still come.
By THERE R IGNORANT PEOPLE, August 16, 2008 @ 7:49 am

Monet Talks????? She had a public Defender for crying out loud. Who has money.
By Still Not Believing, August 16, 2008 @ 11:23 pm

family money otherwise she would of had to be accoutable for her part in the death of a precious child Silven.
By THERE R IGNORANT PEOPLE, August 17, 2008 @ 7:37 am

There is no family money and who would they have paid? She had no part in Silven’s Death. That was proven. Let her alone.
By one who knows, August 20, 2008 @ 10:04 am

To all of you, my brother did not do this. There was no physical evidance agenst him no proof that he did this. He was convicted strictly on public opinion. Yes he was addicted to meth, but so was Erin. I would like to point out that she got nothing out of this and if she was there she is just as responsable as he was for the safety of HER DAUGHTER. Danny has been around my children many times and never did he hurt them or even be mean to them he never was anything but a loving friend to them. I am his brothers girlfriend and I know more about him than any of you,he was not a monster or a killer, he was a loveing person. Erin is an awfull ,mean person who will get her own justice served to her one day.
By momof2, September 11, 2008 @ 5:53 pm

Yes, I agree with you that Erin got off easy. Probation, what a joke. One of them caused the injury that killed Silven. Meth does crazy things to people. Maybe he freaked out and did that to her. The thing is that Danny did not cooperate with the authorities. He would not take a polygraph. I know they are not used in court, but if u did not commit a crime, why not offer to take one to help with the investigation. I jsut pray for her family. I cannot imagine going through anything like this. I am sure they never will have peace with this. God Bless Them!
By Why Bother Saying This, September 17, 2008 @ 6:17 pm

EASY……EASY!!!! SHE LOST HER DAUGHTER YOU IDIOTS. HOW IS THAT GETTING OF EASY? SHE GOT THE WORST SENTENCE ANYONE COULD GET. MISERY WITHOUT HER BABY.
YOU PEOPLE MAKE ME SICK..FIRST OF ALL SHE DID NOT GET PROBATION AS THE PAPER READ. SECOND SHE PROVED THAT SHE WAS NOT ON DRUGS AND THIRD….THERE WAS A CONVICTION!!
WHY MUST YOU STILL BEAT UP ON HER? SHE DID COOPERATE IN EVERY WAY.
By Tennessee Cat, October 7, 2008 @ 2:51 pm

I’m shocked at the amount of people showing support for Danny and/or Erin. I knew erin for years, I worked with her, and occationaly I baby sat silvie. Erin was a very good mother (dispite her drug use) and thats why this was such a shock. She had forsaken her only child for a man that knew how to cook her drugs. They are both completely responsible for the death of that child. God help Erin if I ever see her again, and may her and danny both rot in hell.
By onewhoknows, October 22, 2008 @ 4:41 pm

To Tennessee Cat- I don’t know what your definition of a good mother is, but it is not Erin. Danny lives in hell every day while that bitch goes yard saleing. I have seen her many times after Sylvens death and there is no regret or remorse in this women. And to why bother-she proved she was drug free after she went to rehab-what a joke,she looked messed-up just last week when i saw her out getting drunk.To mom of 2-Danny did not take a poloygraph at the insistance of his lawyer not by his own choice. He did tell the cops everything he knew…and let them search his house twice without a search warrent. That is not the actions of a guilty man.If you people only knew the true person that Daanny is you would know he did not do this. He was a meth addict he did do drugs, but their are lots of people who do and that does not make them killers. Erin is still out there doing the same shit that she has always done-and my belife is that she was the one who killed her daughter. Kind of funny that she did not hear anything or do anything. She stayed with Danny for almost a year after Sylvie’s death. If I thought someone killed my child I would not be staying with them, I would be after them with a shotgun. There was no physical evedince that Danny commited this crime, he was convicted on public opinion. What I can’t understand is why wasn’t Erin charged with the same crime? I have been in the house where it happened, it is small enough that if a child was being beaten to death in the next room you would most certinaly hear it. She did nothing before or after the fact-I belive she is the guilty one.
By momof2, November 22, 2008 @ 9:19 am

to onewhoknows: If Danny was innocent why would he not take a polygraph. If you did not do anything, why not take it, UNLESS YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO HIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I do agree with you on Erin was not a good MOM. She put her child in danger. I see the Yocum family and it makes me so sad. I wih I could take away all their pain. Erin needs to be honest and admit to all her wrong-doings. God Bless to Eric, John and all of the rest of the family!!!!!
By Anne, May 26, 2009 @ 3:52 pm

She should have gotten what the boyfriend got. She is just as guilty as he is, any mother in her right mind would know if their child was being abused.