A man is accused of violently attacking a 9-year-old girl, striking her multiple times and forcing half a bottle of hot sauce into her mouth, resulting in her bleeding and vomiting in Mundelein.
A 30-year-old man from Mundelein, Christian G. Perez-Cornejo, faces multiple charges including aggravated battery to a child, aggravated battery to a peace officer, two counts of domestic battery, and resisting a peace officer.
On October 23, a girl in her early teens informed her school counselor that her sister was experiencing abuse, according to Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Colleen McConnell.
The teenager reported that her 9-year-old sister was assaulted by Perez-Cornejo the night before.
McConnell stated that the teenager claimed Perez-Cornejo shouted at the younger sister, yanked her hair, hit her, and then poured hot sauce into her mouth. The police in Mundelein visited the victim’s school to have a conversation with her.
Authorities noted signs on the child’s shoulders, back, and arms. The children’s mother instructed them not to share what occurred, McConnell stated.
The children from the family were brought to the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center for a forensic interview.
The victim reported that Perez-Cornejo became angry with her due to her poor performance in school, according to McConnell.
McConnell reported that Perez-Cornejo struck the girl in the mouth, yanked her to the ground by her hair, and pulled her into the kitchen.
According to McConnell, Perez-Cornejo used half a bottle of hot sauce in one go.
She attempted to shield her mouth, but Perez-Cornejo continued to strike her on the back, arm, and head, as reported by McConnell.
McConnell reported that the 9-year-old girl went to the bathroom and was sick several times. She had blood coming from her nose and mouth.
Perez-Cornejo entered the bathroom and shouted at the child to cease vomiting, according to McConnell.
The mother took the other children to therapy, but the 9-year-old was not permitted to attend because Perez-Cornejo was concerned she might disclose what happened, according to McConnell. Perez-Cornejo, a known gang member, confessed to hitting the child on her back.
His past includes various criminal charges such as aggravated battery, assaulting a peace officer, resisting arrest with injury, DUI, and illegal possession of drugs.
Perez-Cornejo will return to court on November 21.