An April trial date has been set for a central Illinois mother charged with child endangerment after her boyfriend allegedly killed her young daughter.

Candis Ethridge will be tried on April 2.

Authorities say the 25-year-old mother shouldn't have left her 3-year-old daughter alone with David Gharrett.

Gharrett is charged with first-degree murder in the girl's April 29 death.

McLean County sheriff's police say witnesses have come forward accusing Gharrett of prior abuse that Etheridge was aware of.

Gharrett has claimed the child choked on hot peppers, passed out and accidentally fell into a bath tub.

Police say he later admitted that he'd thrown the girl in the tub after she became sick.

Ethridge is free on bond. Gharrett is in custody.