Police in Columbus, Ohio, responded shortly after 5:30 p.m. on New Year's Eve to a report of a child not breathing. Three-year-old Cassidy Sakoulos was taken to Nationwide Children's Hospital and pronounced dead roughly 30 minutes later. Prosecutors allege Cassidy's mother, 41-year-old Sharon Sakoulos, confessed to placing a plastic bag over her daughter's head and was arrested on suspicion of murder. A judge set bail at $2 million and ordered no contact with minors if she posts bond; the investigation is ongoing.
Ohio Mother Allegedly Confessed to Smothering 3-Year-Old on New Year's Eve; Neighbors Say She Appeared ‘Calm’
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
Residents of a Columbus, Ohio, neighborhood were left shaken after 3-year-old Cassidy Sakoulos died on New Year's Eve. Police say officers from the Columbus Division of Police responded shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 after a report that a child was not breathing. Cassidy was transported to Nationwide Children's Hospital and pronounced dead roughly 30 minutes after officers first arrived.
Allegations and Arrest
Franklin County authorities have characterized the death as a homicide motivated by domestic violence. Prosecutors told the court that Cassidy's 41-year-old mother, Sharon Sakoulos, allegedly admitted to placing a plastic bag over her daughter's head. Sharon was arrested, booked into Franklin County Jail on suspicion of murder and appeared in court on Jan. 2.
Neighbors' Accounts
Multiple neighbors told local outlets they observed officers force entry into the home and work to reach the child. Witnesses described Cassidy as a cheerful child who liked Scooby-Doo and had dressed as a "unicorn princess" for Halloween. Several residents said Sharon stood outside smoking during the emergency response and appeared unusually composed.
"She was standing kind of stoic and calm, smoking a cigarette," one neighbor, Tristan Price, told reporters. "Like way too calm."
Court Proceedings and Orders
At the initial hearing prosecutors said Sharon told police she intended to kill her daughter. A judge set bail at $2 million and issued an order prohibiting Sharon from having contact with any minors if she is released on bond. That protection specifically includes a 13-year-old daughter who lives with her father; court records indicate that man is not Cassidy's father. A public defender was assigned for the initial appearance, and court filings show Sharon has not yet entered a plea. A follow-up hearing was scheduled for Jan. 9.
Investigation Status
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing as prosecutors and local police gather evidence and prepare the case for trial. Out of respect for the family and the legal process, officials have released limited details while the matter moves through the court system.
Note: This is a tragic case involving a young child. The reporting above is based on information released by law enforcement, court filings and local media; allegations described here have not been proven in court.
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