Woman Charged In Kidnappping Baby

Chicago, IL. - A woman has been charged with kidnapping a four-month-old baby girl from the Far West Side on Saturday morning.

Leeann Ravens, 17, of the 1400 block of North Massasoit Avenue, was charged with aggravated kidnapping of a child under 13, a felony. Ravens was arrested at 10:40 a.m. Monday at 4224 West Jackson Blvd. and the charge was approved at 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to police.

Four-month-old Samaya Hughes was taken from 1549 N. Massasoit Ave. about 10 a.m. Saturday, police News Affairs Officer Gabrielle Lesniak said. Samaya was visiting a family friend when she was taken by a 17 year-old woman known to the family.

Police initially described Samaya as an African-American child with a light complexion, black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen in a red jacket, blue jean-shorts and pink and white Jordan gym shoes. She was wrapped in a pink receiving blanket.

Police responded to the address and officers allegedly found Ravens fleeing through an alley with the infant. Arresting officers confirmed the identity of the child and Ravens and she was placed into custody, read her rights and taken to the Harrison District police station for processing, according to a police report.

Chicago Fire Department Ambulance 86 took the child to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition, according to the report.

The report said after Ravens was read her rights, she allegedly said she took the infant and did not return her because she did not have any bus money. Police said early Wednesday they did know her motive for taking the child.