Former Ohio cheerleader texted mom 'my belly is back' soon after killing newborn and burying her in backyard
WARREN COUNTY, OHIO: A former high school cheerleader who was accused of murdering her newborn daughter had texted her mother just hours after the incident saying that her "belly was back" and that she could now "wear something cute." 20-year-old Brooke Skylar Richardson has now been charged with aggravated murder, involuntary manslaughter, gross abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence and child endangerment. Richardson, however, has pleaded not guilty.
The case began in July 2017 when a doctor revealed to the police that Richardson may have given birth to a stillborn. Upon searching the family home, the police discovered the remains of the newborn infant child. She was then arrested on multiple charges.
While in court on Wednesday, September 4, the prosecutors showed text messages that Richardson had allegedly sent to her mother who did not realize or know that her daughter was pregnant. The prosecutors allege that Richardson sent her mother the texts around 24 hours after she had murdered the child. "I’m literally so excited for dinner to wear something cute yayy my belly is back now I am takin this opportunity to make it amazing," she shared.
She had gone to the gym and had documented her weight loss in photos. The prosecutors also alleged that Richardson had googled 'how do I get rid of a baby' when she learned that she was pregnant. She had also not returned to take an ultrasound, bloodwork, or any other medical treatments. She had also ignored all calls from the doctor and assistants.
The prosecutors further added that Richardson's mother had reportedly warned her that if she got pregnant, her life would be over. MEAWW had previously reported that County Prosecutor David Fornshell shared that Richardson and her family were very worried about the reaction of the community to her pregnancy without being married.
In the early proceedings, he shared, "Skylar and her family, particularly her mother, were pretty obsessed with external appearances and how things appeared to the outside world." According to Richardson's defense attorneys, she did not kill the baby and an expert witness revealed that there no signs of burning or trauma. Prosecutor David Fornshell added that they will be showing police interviews to the jury that "fully support the charges against Richardson."