Caregiver Sentenced to 35 Years for Murder of 14 Month Old Bolingbrook Baby

DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett announced that Jacquelyn A. Swart, 33 (d.o.b. 10/18/70) of 16W641 Mockingbird Lane, Building 35 in unincorporated Hinsdale was sentenced today to 35 years for the 1999 murder of a fourteen (14) month old Bolingbrook girl, Alexandra Pirkins, who was in her care.  Alex’s death came as a result of multiple injuries caused by blunt trauma due to child abuse.  This morning, Judge Kathryn Creswell sentenced Swart to 35 years, and she will be required to serve this sentence in its entirety. 

At trial, the evidence established that on June 21, 1999, Alexandra was in the care of Swart at her unincorporated Hinsdale home.  Swart had regularly provided daycare for Alexandra for about one year, while at the same time caring for her own two children.  In the mid-afternoon, Alexandra’s mother, Wendy Pirkins, received a call at work from Swart indicating that something was wrong with Alex.  Wendy immediately went to the Swart home where she found her child unresponsive.  A 9-1-1 call was placed from the residence and emergency crews immediately transported Alex to Hinsdale Hospital.  She was transported that evening to Christ Hospital and Medical Center in Oak Lawn where she died the next day.  

On March 4, 2004, a DuPage County jury found Swart guilty.  Today, Judge Kathryn Creswell pronounced her 35 year sentence.  

“There are no winners today, but justice was done,” commented State’s Attorney Joe Birkett.  “These cases are extremely difficult to investigate and prosecute.  It takes a team effort to establish the truth in the courtroom.  The investigators, emergency medical personnel, doctors, medical examiners and prosecutors did an outstanding job in this case.”

“I'm very proud of the hard work done by my investigators," Sheriff Zaruba said.   "A case like this is very difficult for us.  We're constantly reminded in cases like this that a young child was violently taken away from her family."

State’s Attorney Birkett praised the efforts of the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office under the direction of Sheriff John Zaruba, especially Detective Tim Connell.  In addition, he commended Assistant State’s Attorneys Jeff Kendall and Jane Radostits for their outstanding job in the prosecution of this case. 

  “I’m pleased with today’s verdict,” State’s Attorney Birkett said.  “Judge Creswell’s sentence of 35 years will send a strong message deterring child abuse, but unfortunately it will not bring Alex back to her family.  Our sympathies continue to go out to the Pirkins family.”