Ohio woman charged with killing newborn baby

Brooke Skylar Richardson accused of burying infant in backyard after giving birth

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:43am

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Brooke Skylar Richardson, an 18-year-old from Carlisle, Ohio, has been charged with aggravated murder and other crimes after allegedly giving birth to a baby and then burying the infant in her family's backyard. Richardson, who had been set to attend the University of Cincinnati, is facing serious charges related to the death of the newborn.

Why it matters

This case has shocked the local community and raised questions about postpartum mental health, teenage pregnancy, and the legal obligations around reporting a birth and the death of a newborn. Richardson's case highlights the complex and often tragic circumstances that can surround teenage pregnancies and the challenges of determining criminal culpability.

The details

According to authorities, Richardson gave birth to a baby in May 2017 and then buried the infant in the backyard of her family's home. The remains were discovered two months later by authorities. Richardson has been charged with aggravated murder, involuntary manslaughter, child endangerment, tampering with evidence and abuse of a corpse.

  • Richardson gave birth to the baby in May 2017.
  • The infant's remains were discovered in the family's backyard two months later, in July 2017.

The players

Brooke Skylar Richardson

An 18-year-old from Carlisle, Ohio who has been charged with aggravated murder and other crimes related to the death of her newborn baby.

Carlisle High School

The high school that Richardson had recently graduated from before the alleged incident.

University of Cincinnati

The university that Richardson had been planning to attend before the alleged incident.

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What’s next

Richardson's trial is scheduled to begin in the coming months, where prosecutors will seek to prove the charges against her. The case has sparked intense debate in the local community about the appropriate legal and moral response to teenage pregnancies and infant deaths.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the complex challenges that can arise around teenage pregnancy and postpartum mental health, and the need for greater support and resources for young mothers. It also raises difficult questions about when and how the legal system should intervene in such sensitive and personal matters.