Wickliffe Woman Charged in 2023 Infant Death

Records show suspect previously pleaded guilty to reckless homicide in 2009 child death case.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:53pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a baby's rattle against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic without any text or symbols.A recent wave of child endangerment cases exposes the need for greater accountability and support systems to protect vulnerable young lives.Cleveland Today

A 41-year-old Wickliffe, Ohio woman named Krystal D. Krause has been secretly indicted by a grand jury on charges of reckless homicide and endangering children in connection with the 2023 death of her infant son. Court records indicate Krause previously served time in prison following the 2009 death of a 3-year-old child, to which she pleaded guilty to reckless homicide as part of a plea agreement.

Why it matters

This case raises serious concerns about repeat offenses involving the deaths of children and the criminal justice system's ability to prevent such tragedies from recurring. It also highlights the need for greater scrutiny and oversight of individuals with a history of harming children.

The details

Krystal D. Krause was indicted by a Lake County grand jury this week for reckless homicide and endangering children, both third-degree felonies, in relation to the November 15, 2023 death of her two-month-old son. Krause was arrested on April 9 and is scheduled to be arraigned on April 14. According to court records, Krause is being represented by the Lake County Public Defender's Office.

  • Krause was indicted by a grand jury this week.
  • Krause is scheduled to be arraigned on April 14.
  • Krause was previously charged in the 2009 death of a 3-year-old child.

The players

Krystal D. Krause

A 41-year-old Wickliffe, Ohio woman who has been charged with reckless homicide and endangering children in the 2023 death of her infant son. Krause previously pleaded guilty to reckless homicide in the 2009 death of a 3-year-old child and served two years in prison.

Lake County Public Defender's Office

The law firm representing Krystal D. Krause in the current case.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on April 14 whether to grant Krystal D. Krause bail as she awaits trial.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for greater accountability and oversight when it comes to individuals with a history of harming children. It raises serious questions about the criminal justice system's ability to prevent such incidents from recurring and the support services available to high-risk families.