Mom, Stepdad Arrested In Boulder Hill Child's Death

MONTGOMERY, IL — The mother and stepfather of a Boulder Hill child who was found unresponsive July 2 in her family's home were arrested Thursday on accusations of involuntary manslaughter. According to a news release from the Kendall County Sheriff's office, detectives arrested 29-year-old James Davidson and 32-year-old Courtny Davidson, who are listed as the late 6-year-old Kerrigan Rutherford's mother and stepfather, according to the child's obituary on legacy.com.

The sheriff's office said the couple lives in the 800 block of S. Washington Street in Mendota, while jail records give their address as the 100 block of Boulder Hill Pass. Both were arrested shortly before 5 p.m. Thursday.

According to the news release, the sheriff's office and coroner's office conducted a joint investigation into the child's death, and conducted an autopsy on July 2 which included with numerous toxicological tests.

The sheriff's office said based on these tests and information gathered during the investigation, Kendall County Coroner Jacquie Purcell ruled Kerrigan's death a homicide and said the cause of death was prescription drug toxicity.

James and Courtny Davidson each face one count of felony involuntary manslaughter, along with two counts of felony endangering the life or health of a child.

Both remained in custody Friday afternoon after their bail was set at $250,000 each. The couple would each have to post $25,000 to be released.

Deputies responded to the family's home in the 100 block of Boulder Hill Pass around 1:30 p.m., July 2 for a report of a child who was unresponsive and not breathing. Police said the Rutherford was found dead in the home by deputies and the Oswego Fire Department.

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In an email last month to Patch, police said they've had previous contact with the family.

According to the child's obituary posted on legacy.com, Kerrigan was a kindergartner at Boulder Hill Elementary in Montgomery and a member of The Warehouse Church in Aurora. She's described as "a very active princess, who loved Barbies, playing outside, slime and tigers. She enjoyed bubble baths, swimming, mermaids and unicorns. Kerrigan also liked to watch YouTube videos and was a huge fan of JoJo Siwa."