March 25--A 10-month-old boy was found unharmed hours after Skokie Police discovered the boy's mother dead inside her Skokie home Thursday morning, police announced at a press conference Thursday night.
The discovery of the woman prompted police to search for her child and his father throughout the day, according to police.
Officer Eric Swaback said they believe the woman was the victim of a homicide.
Police said they discovered the body of Catherine Benyamin, 31, at about 10:24 a.m. Thursday inside her apartment on the 8200 block of Keating Avenue. They came to the scene for a well being check on her at the request of her family, police said.
The circumstances of Benyamin's death are under investigation and more details about her death are pending results from the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office, according to police.
After discovering the victim's body, police said, they began searching for Benyamin's son, 10-month-old Joshua Powell, and his father, Jermaine Powell.
At the Thursday night press conference, Swaback said police would not be taking questions, but he announced the boy's whereabouts were unknown "until a few minutes ago."
The boy was dropped off earlier today, Swaback said, at a church near Halstead Avenue and Roosevelt Road in Chicago.
"Joshua is currently at UIC (University of Illinois Chicago) Hospital for observation, but is believed to be healthy and unharmed," Swaback said.
A family member is currently with the boy, he said.
According to Swaback, someone matching Jermaine Powell's description "may have dropped Joshua off at this church earlier today. We are still seeking the whereabouts of Jermaine."
Police called the case an "ongoing investigation," which involves the North Regional Major Crimes Task Force. They said they believe the incident is an "isolated event."
Police are asking for those with any information in locating Jermaine Powell to contact the Skokie Police Department at (847) 982-5900.
