Fayette County Woman Charged With Murder In Child’s Death

A northeast Iowa woman is being charged with first-degree Murder for the death of her infant child last month.

Alicia Rios, 28, of Elgin, was taken into custody on Friday (Sept. 28, 2018). She is charged with one count of first-degree murder and child endangerment causing death.

The case began on August 21, when Fayette County sheriff's officials received a call from a home on Main Street in Elgin, reporting that a 5-week-old infant was having trouble breathing. The child was initially taken to the hospital in West Union, then air-cared to University of Wisconsin Hospitals in Madison.

The infant, Lydia Rios, died as a result of her injuries five days later (Aug. 26).

Alicia Rios was formally charged in the girl's death following a month-long probe, which was conducted by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and Fayette County sheriff's officials.

Rios was taken to the Fayette County Jail in West Union. If convicted of the charges against her, Rios could receive a sentence of life in prison without parole.