Area Man Arrested on Murder Charges in Clay County

An area man has been arrested on murder charges stemming from a death in Clay County last summer.

26-year-old Denny D. Blanchard of Clay City was in custody Monday after a warrant was issued for his arrest last Friday.  Blanchard faces two counts of first degree murder and two counts of aggravated battery of a child.  Clay County State's Attorney Marilyn Brant said the counts are the result of the death of a 20-week-old infant on July 13, 2012.

Brant said an autopsy was performed by the Office of the Medical Examiner in St. Louis, but said there was a "significant delay" in obtaining an autopsy report, despite efforts by Illinois State Police and Brant's office to expedite the process.  The report was finally released in February.

Brant said police and prosecutors examined the evidence in the case, including videotaped statements, the autopsy report, and all reports and evidence gathered by investigating officers.  Brant then determined the charges to be filed.

Blanchard is being held at Clay County Jail in Louisville under $1 million bond.  He is due in court May 6 for a preliminary hearing.