Dea's attorney Michael Bouwhuis later released a statment, saying:
"Dea is relieved that we've now reached the point where a charge has been filed in relation to the unfortunate death of Alexis Rasmussen. She has always maintained that she did not cause the death of Alexis Rasmussen, and this charge bears that out. We look forward to receiving discovery from the prosecutors so we can review it and decide how to proceed, a process which may take some time, as the investigation leading up to this point has taken a considerable amount of time.
In the meantime, Dea has been drug-free since her arrest, and has been working closely with DCFS and counselors to get the help she needs to continue in a positive direction. She is very sorry about the untimely death of Alexis Rasmussen and sincerely hopes that the Rasmussen family will someday soon find healing and comfort."On Monday, Smith told ABC 4 that investigators have been coordinating with all the parties involved before announcing any charges or other information.
Alexis Rasmussen's
body was found in a shallow Morgan County grave more than a month after she disappeared while babysitting on September 10.
Eric and Dea Millerberg have been named 'persons of interest' in the case. Rasmussen was babysitting for the Millerbergs when she disappeared.
A
warrant obtained by ABC 4 News in November implicated the Millerbergs in Rasmussen's death and in the disposal of her body.
The now sealed search warrant said that Dea Millerberg drove Rasmussen to buy $100 worth of prescription medication and marijuana on the night she disappeared.
The search warrant included statements from witnesses who said the Millerbergs paid Rasmussen with drugs, while implying that the couple had a sexual relationship with the girl.
Stay tuned to ABC4 and ABC4.com for updates on this story.
