Family cheers as Rock Island man acquitted in baby's death

A fifth-floor courtroom at the Rock Island County Justice Center exploded in tears and cheers Monday as a 22-year-old was acquitted in the death of a baby.

Mateo Williams, 22, of Rock Island, was tried last week in a bench trial for first-degree murder in the March 2020 death of 4-month-old Elias S. Austin. The child suffered multiple fractures and died of blunt-force trauma to the skull, reports showed.

Williams was in a relationship with the baby’s mother, who also has been charged.

Circuit Judge Peter W. Church on Monday declared Williams not guilty, prompting shouts of relief from members of his family and a collection of friends who attended the hearing.

As Williams turned away from the defense table, he wiped tears from his face.

Outside the courtroom, his attorney, Drew Larson, gently admonished Williams’ family for their reactions to the verdict, saying, “This is not a time for celebration. This is a sad time, no matter how you look at it.”

Family and friends shook their heads in agreement.