Press Release: Evanston Police Charge Second Woman in Concealment of a Death Case

City of Evanston, Illinois sent this bulletin at 03/13/2025 03:22 PM CDT

Thursday, March 13, 2025 | View in browser

Evanston Police Charge Second Woman in Concealment of a Death Case

EVANSTON, IL - On August 29, 2024, Evanston Police initiated an investigation following a report of the death of a newborn infant being concealed by family members.

The investigation determined that Layarria Searcy, 19, gave birth to a live baby girl on August 25, 2024, at her residence located in the 1900 block of Jackson Avenue. Shortly after birth, the infant passed away. Searcy did not report the death to authorities and took steps to conceal the incident, including discarding the infant's remains. Despite their efforts, police were unable to locate and recover the remains. Without the infant’s remains, the Medical Examiner’s Office is not able to determine the cause and manner of death.

The investigation revealed that Lacara Reckley, the mother of Searcy, was involved in the concealment of the infant’s death. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the findings of the investigation and subsequently indicted Reckley on one felony count of concealment of a death. Reckley was arraigned on March 4, 2025. She was not detained by the Cook County Sheriff.

Offender

Reckley, Lacara, a 43-year-old female

1900 block of Jackson Avenue, Evanston, IL

Charges