An enraged father beat a social worker, who was trying to take his toddler into protective custody, so badly that she later died, officials announced this week.
Angela Sucher of Milledgeville, Illinois, called police in September 2017 after her 25-year-old son allegedly attacked social worker Pamela Knight, 59.
The 25-year-old son, Andrew Sucher, became upset after Knight arrived to take his 2-year-old boy into custody.
Andrew Sucher had recently been charged with felony aggravated battery of a child after allegedly beating a 6-year-old boy, prompting the social worker to come and take the younger child.
Sucher was also charged with domestic violence after allegedly throwing his girlfriend against a wall.
The damage left Knight with permanent brain damage including the loss of the ability to speak.
Kathy Lane, president of AFSCME Local 448, noted that the social workers’ mission is to help families and that the death was tragic.
Workers with the Department of Child and Family Services aren’t allowed to carry Mace or weapons during home visits but can request police officers to accompany them.
Sucher has been charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer, which carries 3 to 7 years in prison.
He was also indicted on Dec. 7 on charges of attempted first-degree murder which carries 6 to 30 years in prison, along with other charges.
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