Local mother charged in infant daughter's death

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Kendall Downing

Story Created: Fri Oct 5, 2012 4:31 PM

Story Updated: Fri Oct 5, 2012 5:07 PM

ANNA, Ill. - Family, neighbors, even strangers are still trying to wrap their heads around the allegations, a mother suffocating her 11-month-old daughter.

Friday morning 39-year-old Stacey Tiffin made her first appearance in front of a judge on a first degree murder charge in Union County.

Police arrested Tiffin Thursday afternoon.

Cassandra Tiffin, who was 11-months-old, died on the evening of September 16th earlier this year. According to court documents Stacey Tiffin suffocated her daughter by putting her hand over her mouth and nose.

Investigators are remaining tight-lipped about the case.

"I don't think I've ever heard of anything like that in Anna," said Toni Leggans.

Neighbor Toni Leggans is stunned by the allegations.

"That happens to other people, other neighborhoods, big towns," said Leggans.

Stacey Tiffin didn't want to talk to us as she went into court, and her husband Robert said he couldn't say anything either.

A neighbor tells Local 6 the couple has another child, a little boy.

Tiffin faces life in prison if convicted, a punishment dictated by Illinois statute for the murder of victims under the age of 12.

A relative later spoke with Local 6 off-camera saying the family is numb by all of this, not knowing what emotions they should be feeling and requesting privacy during this difficult time.

Tiffin remains in jail on $500,000 bond. The judge appointed her with a public defender.

The preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 30th.