CLAY COUNTY — A 22-year-old Clay City man is in the Clay County Jail accused of first-degree murder in the alleged battery death of a 2-year-old child.

Alexander J. Beal is charged with first-degree murder and aggravated battery to a child.

According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Clay County State’s Attorney’s Office, at approximately 3:47 a.m. April 22, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office responded with a Clay County Hospital Ambulance to a medical call for a 2-year-old child in Clay City.

At the scene deputies began to investigate the events leading up to the medial call and requested assistance from the Child Death Investigative Task Force.

As the agencies continued their investigation into this matter they were notified on April 24 that the child had succumbed to the injuries and had passed away.

Beal was arrested April 26 and charges relating to the death of the child were filed April 27. He awaits the setting of bail.

The Child Death Investigative Task Force is made up of personnel from several law enforcement agencies specializing in the investigation of child deaths.

Agencies assisting in this investigation include Illinois State Police, Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services, Flora Police Department, Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, Salem Police Department and the Vandalia Police Department.