Abuse of 3-year-old reported to DCFS week before death

CARLINVILLE, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — We now know that a week before a 3-year-old died, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) was made aware of possible abuse.

On October 20, police say Ashley Bottoms was breaking up a fight between two juveniles when she threw 3-year-old Hunter Drew.

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The toddler hit his head on the ledge of a half wall.

Ashley Bottoms, Hunter's stepmother, then reportedly drove around for more than three hours with Hunter in the vehicle without getting help.

Bottoms is charged with involuntary manslaughter and endangering the life of a child causing death.

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According to a timeline released by DCFS, on October 14, "a report was made identifying Hunter as the child victim of cuts, bruises, welts, abrasions and oral injuries. Ashley Bottoms was alleged to have physically abused Hunter."

Hunter died on October 20.

Bottoms is the mother of four other children ages 1, 4, 9, and 11.

DCFS states that both Hunter's biological father, Christopher Gunn, and Bottoms are named as the alleged perpetrators in Hunter's death.

All of the children have now been taken into protective custody and are now with a relative, DCFS says.

We're told the investigation into this case is still pending.