Illinois State Police Arrests Du Quoin Parents for Involuntary Manslaughter After the Death of Their Child
August 20, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 20, 2026
DU QUOIN – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 7 Special Agents arrested 28-year-old Amanda Russell and 34-year-old Michael Russell of Du Quoin, IL for Involuntary Manslaughter among other charges after the death of their 1-year-old daughter.
On August 17, 2026, the Du Quoin Police Department requested ISP’s assistance with a child death investigation in the 700 block of West Park Street in Du Quoin. The child suffered severe burns over a large portion of her body and had not been taken to a medical facility for treatment. After a thorough investigation, ISP Special Agents arrested the parents, Amanda and Michael Russell.
On August 18, 2026, ISP Special Agents presented the case to the Perry County State’s Attorney’s Office and Amanda and Michael were charged with Involuntary Manslaughter (Class 2 Felony) and Endangering the Life or Health of a Child (Class 3 Felony). Additionally, Amanda was charged with Solicitation to Obstruct Justice (Class A Misdemeanor). No further information is available.
The charges are not evidence against the defendants, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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