Authorities in Will County have charged Nicole Pokrzywa, 36, and William Cosmen, 38, in connection with the discovery of an infant’s remains buried on a property in Wilmington. Investigators allege Pokrzywa gave birth in October 2024 at a residence in Manhattan, where attempts were made to dispose of the body, ultimately leading to the burial of the infant in a beer box beneath a large rock. The remains were recovered following a search warrant, and an autopsy determined the child was between 22 and 27 weeks old. Both suspects face desecration of a corpse charges as investigations continue.
On December 4, 2025, authorities received tips that led them to suspect that Nicole Pokrzywa, who gave birth in October 2024, had buried the newborn on the premises. Reports indicate Pokrzywa was between six and eight months pregnant at the time. Interviews revealed further details, including the burial site being marked with a large rock. Based on gathered information, detectives obtained a search warrant and are now searching the property for evidence as the investigation continues.
On December 5, 2025, authorities detained Nicole Pokrzywa, 36, of Wilmington, and William Cosmen, 38, of Manhattan, following the discovery of infant remains at a Roberts Road property. Acting on information, deputies and crime scene investigators located a buried Old Style beer box containing the infant, wrapped in cloth and plastic. Investigators say both suspects admitted to detectives that the child was born at a Manhattan residence, where an attempt was made to dispose of the remains via a toilet before burial. The Will County Coroner’s Office has taken possession of the remains as the investigation continues.
According to the press release, “Nicole and William realized that the infant’s body would not fit down the drain and left the deceased infant inside of the toilet overnight. William described the infant and the other biological material weighing five to seven pounds at the time of delivery. The infant was later removed from the toilet and wrapped in a plastic bag and green shirt and transported to the Roberts Road residence in Wilmington. Nicole and William stated that a hole was dug that was approximately three feet wide by four foot deep, and the remains were placed in the hole.”
On December 6, 2025, authorities in Will County charged Nicole Pokrzywa and William Cosmen with one count of Desecration of a Corpse following the discovery and autopsy of a deceased female infant. Forensic examination at the county coroner’s office determined the infant’s age to be between 22 and 27 weeks, with further biological testing pending due to decomposition. Pokrzywa and Cosmen were transported to the Will County Adult Detention Facility and issued a Notice to Appear in court. The Will County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the State’s Attorney, continues to investigate and may pursue additional charges as new evidence emerges.
