Felicia Hirn Says a Chicago Slide Killed Her 3YO Son

[Sugar Cookie]

The indictment comes after prosecutors allege Felicia Hirn, 32, choked and shook 3-year-old Leland to death in June 2025.

Outside court, Leland's father, Mark Chipoco, said seeing the case move forward brought a mix of emotions.

"The sadness, the anger, all the emotions that I couldn't even comprehend, I can't even explain. But at the same time, I'm just happy that she's in jail. It's going to be a long, a long, long process, but I'm not giving up on it," Chipoco said.

Chipoco also vowed to continue seeking justice for his son.

Keisha Washington, the grandmother of Leland's half-siblings, said she felt relief following the indictment.

"I guess not necessarily happy, but relieved is more so relieved that, you know, she's going to have to answer to what she did," Washington said.

She said the legal process remains difficult for the family.

"It's still heavy because the process is just starting. So we still have a long ways to go. We as a family have a long ways to go," Washington said.

In court, prosecutors said they are seeking Hirn's DNA as part of the investigation. Hirn was arrested in Maryland and extradited to Chicago after ABC7 I-Team inquiries into Leland's death, which had remained unsolved for more than a year.

According to a court document, Hirn claimed Leland's injuries resulted from a fall from a slide. However, reports obtained by the I-Team from the Cook County Medical Examiner and a hospital flagged potential child abuse.

Chipoco said remembering his son continues to motivate him through the case.

"That keeps me going. That really keeps me going. It's really, really hard. Mentally, physically, emotionally. I cannot explain it. But with the help of my family members, the people who who care for me, especially for my son, they help," he said.

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Grand jury indicts mother for murder of 3-year-old son in Chicago; prosecutors seek DNA sample

A grand jury has formally indicted a mother on charges related to the death of her 3-year-old son in Chicago, according to statements made in criminal court. Prosecutors told a judge they are seeking a DNA sample from the suspect.

abc7chicago.com