A Disturbing Discovery Beneath the Soil

In Wilmington, Illinois, a heartbreaking and deeply unsettling case has emerged following the discovery of an infant’s remains buried underground. What began as a report of a “possible buried infant” led deputies to a rural property, where they uncovered a small Old Style Beer box buried about 36 inches beneath the ground. Inside were the remains of an infant girl, wrapped in cloth and plastic. Investigators soon learned that the child had been born in October 2024 and that the circumstances surrounding her death were far more troubling than initially imagined. The discovery has left many grappling with the reality of a life lost and the disturbing decisions that followed her birth.

Statements Reveal a Disturbing Chain of Events

According to authorities, both Nicole Pokrzywa, 36, and William Cosmen, 38, provided accounts that raised even more questions about the child’s final moments. They allegedly stated that the infant was born in a toilet and that Cosmen attempted to force the newborn’s body down the toilet drain using a plunger. When the infant did not fit, the body was left in the toilet overnight. The following day, the child was wrapped in a shirt and plastic before being transported to the property where the burial occurred. The sheriff’s office reported that the couple admitted to digging a hole approximately three feet wide and four feet deep to place the remains. A forensic pathologist later determined that the baby was between 22 and 27 weeks old at the time of death. Despite the gestational age estimate, investigators noted that Cosmen told deputies the child weighed between 5 and 7 pounds, adding further complexity to the case. The circumstances, as described, have stirred outrage, sorrow, and a desperate search for answers about what happened in the hours following the child’s birth.

A Community Waiting for Justice

Following the discovery, Pokrzywa and Cosmen were arrested and charged with desecration of a corpse. Authorities have indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming pending completion of forensic testing on the remains. For many, the charges represent only the beginning of a long legal process as investigators continue to piece together the events leading to the infant’s death and burial. The case has shaken the community, leaving residents grieving for a child who never had a chance at life. As the investigation moves forward, the hope for justice grows stronger. The tragic circumstances surrounding the infant’s death underscore the vulnerability of those unable to protect themselves and the responsibility society bears to ensure their safety. The forensic findings, coupled with the suspects’ statements, will shape the next steps as prosecutors determine whether more serious charges are warranted. For now, the community mourns the loss of a life that ended before it could begin.