by Columbus, Ohio — Authorities in central Ohio are investigating a deeply disturbing child homicide after police say a mother admitted to intentionally killing her 3-year-old daughter inside their home. Court records and prosecutor statements reveal chilling details about the moments leading up to the child’s death, as well as the mother’s past encounters with law enforcement and mental health system.
The case has shaken the Columbus community and raised renewed questions about child welfare, mental health treatment, and warning signs that may go unnoticed until tragedy strikes.
Police respond to report of unresponsive child
According to court documents, officers with the Columbus Division of Police were dispatched to a home in Columbus at 5:35 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a call reporting that a child was not breathing.
When officers arrived, they found 3-year-old Cassidy unresponsive and showing visible bruising, according to police records. Emergency responders rushed the child to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where she was pronounced dead just after 6 p.m.
Police say the child’s mother, 41-year-old Sharon Sakoulos, was taken into custody later that evening.
Mother allegedly admitted intent to kill
During questioning, investigators say Sakoulos made a direct and alarming admission. According to prosecutors, she told police that she placed a plastic bag over her daughter’s head until the child stopped moving, and that she intended to kill her.
Courtroom coverage reported that prosecutors laid out these allegations during Sakoulos’ arraignment hearing on Friday. The incident reportedly occurred inside the family’s Columbus residence earlier that day.
Police have not disclosed what prompted the alleged act, but prosecutors emphasized the seriousness of Sakoulos’ statements when arguing for a high bond.
Neighbors describe disturbing behavior after incident
Several neighbors told that Sakoulos’ behavior in the moments after first responders arrived stood out as unusual and deeply unsettling.
One neighbor told the station that Sakoulos appeared emotionless and was seen smoking a cigarette while emergency crews attempted to help the child.
“The ambulance came, and she was standing there smoking a cigarette,” the neighbor said. “That’s weird, especially since the way the mom was standing there, like, reactionless.”
Other neighbors described Sakoulos as someone who frequently asked others to watch her child and claimed she often appeared distracted or inattentive.
Another local resident said Sakoulos had “weird energy” and was known for overstaying her welcome while relying heavily on neighbors for childcare.
Court records outline prior criminal history
Documents show that prosecutors also detailed Sakoulos’ prior criminal history during Friday’s court hearing.
According to court records, Sakoulos pleaded guilty in 2023 to assaulting a police officer after allegedly throwing and shaking a container of AJAX cleaning substance at an officer during a 2020 incident.
In 2022, she was deemed incompetent to stand trial in that case and was ordered to undergo treatment at Twin Valley Behavioral Healthcare Hospital.
Prosecutors further stated that Sakoulos had been accused of assaulting police officers in a separate 2016 case, though details regarding the outcome of that case were not provided during the hearing.
Mental health history discussed in arraignment
During the arraignment, prosecutors said Sakoulos has a documented history of bipolar disorder and had previously been hospitalized for mental health treatment.
Her public defender acknowledged those struggles and told the court that Sakoulos is also a military veteran who was honorably discharged. Defense counsel did not dispute the charges during the hearing but focused on her mental health background when addressing the court.
Prosecutors, however, argued that Sakoulos posed a significant risk and emphasized the gravity of the alleged confession.
Bond set at $2 million as case moves forward
Sakoulos is currently being held at the James A. Karnes Correctional Center, according to jail records. She has been formally charged with murder, a charge that carries severe penalties under Ohio law.
At Friday’s arraignment, a judge set her bond at $2 million, citing the nature of the alleged crime and the statements made to police. Sakoulos is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on January 9, where prosecutors are expected to present additional evidence.
Investigators have not said whether child protective services had any prior involvement with the family.
Community shaken as investigation continues
The death of a young child under such circumstances has left many in the Columbus community stunned and searching for answers. Law enforcement officials say the investigation remains ongoing as they continue reviewing evidence and conducting interviews.
Authorities urge anyone struggling with severe mental health challenges or overwhelming stress to seek help before a situation escalates. Local resources and crisis support services are available throughout Franklin County.
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