Father and Babysitter Charged After 23-Month-Old Girl Dies From Severe Burns, With Investigators Finding Hair Inside Oven Door

An Illinois father and a babysitter are facing first-degree murder charges after a 23-month-old girl died from severe burns that allegedly went untreated for more than a day. Investigators say the child’s injuries continued to worsen while the adults responsible for her care failed to obtain medical attention, and detectives later discovered strands of hair believed to belong to the toddler inside an oven door at the home.

The suspects, Payton M. Beaver, the child’s father, and Courtney N. Heath, her babysitter, were each charged with first-degree murder and child endangerment causing death, according to authorities. The girl, identified in court documents only by the initials Z.B., died on September 21, 2026, in Paris, Illinois. Her name has not been publicly released.

Police and emergency responders were called to a residence in the 200 block of West Edgar Street after receiving a report of a child experiencing seizures. The toddler was transported to Horizon Health Paris Community Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 7:42 p.m. An autopsy later determined that she died from sepsis caused by scalding thermal burns, and the death was classified as a homicide.

According to court documents cited by Law&Crime, Heath allegedly told investigators that the child had been burned in a hot shower. However, an emergency room physician reportedly determined that the injuries were not consistent with burns caused by a shower. Investigators also found hair inside an oven door, with follicles still attached, that was reportedly consistent with the toddler’s hair. Authorities have not established publicly in the available reports exactly how the child sustained the burns.

The investigation further alleges that Heath cared for the toddler after the injuries occurred, applied aloe vera gel and kept her overnight before returning her to Beaver at approximately 4:30 a.m. on September 21. The child’s burns reportedly affected several areas of her body and continued to worsen.

Beaver allegedly cared for his daughter for much of the day after she was returned to him. Investigators say he saw the injuries and applied antibiotic ointment but did not seek medical treatment because he feared getting into trouble. According to the affidavit, he acknowledged knowing that the child needed to see a doctor. Authorities allege that approximately 32 hours passed before emergency help was sought.

Later that day, Heath reportedly purchased burn gel and gauze at a Dollar General store before picking the toddler up from Beaver. After returning to Heath’s residence, the child allegedly became limp and began having seizures. Heath contacted Beaver before calling 911 at approximately 6:59 p.m., according to investigators. By the time emergency responders arrived, the toddler was in critical condition.

Both defendants remain in the Edgar County Jail without bond, according to reports published on October 26, 2026. They are scheduled to return to court on November 20. The charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The case has raised serious questions about the toddler’s final hours and why medical care was allegedly delayed despite the severity of her injuries. Investigators continue to pursue the circumstances surrounding the burns and the decisions made by the adults responsible for her safety.

Sources Law&Crime