Willow Long's 3-Year-Old Brother in Protective Custody

After the murder of his sister over the weekend, DCFS has taken the 3-year-old brother of Willow Long into protective custody.

Illinois' Department of Children and Family Services tell us that a formal proceeding determining the child's long-term placement is forthcoming, but didn't provide any further information. The family had not been visited or contacted by DCFS prior to this case.

Willow Long's uncle, Justin DeRyke, lived in the home with the children and their mother, Ciara DeRyke, and has been charged with her murder. He is currently jailed on a $5 million bond, and will appear again in court Thursday, September 19.

Funeral arrangements for Willow Long are located here.