Death of Baby Annabelle (Carlisle buried baby case)

On May 7, 2017, 18-year-old Brooke Skylar Richardson gave birth at her parents' home in Carlisle, Ohio, and buried her newborn daughter, whom she named Annabelle, in the backyard. Richardson, a high-school senior at the time, had learned she was pregnant and in her third trimester on April 26, 2017, during a gynecologist appointment. She kept the pregnancy secret from friends and family and gave birth in the bathroom of her parents' house two days after attending her senior prom.

Two months after the birth, Richardson disclosed to her doctor what had happened, and the doctor reported the incident to police. On July 14, 2017, the skeletal remains of an infant were exhumed from the backyard of the Richardson family home. Following an autopsy, forensic anthropologist Dr. Elizabeth Murray initially determined that the baby's bones were partially charred and that the infant died of homicidal violence; Murray later retracted the assertion that the bones had been charred prior to Richardson's trial.

In a recorded police interview, Richardson agreed with an investigator's suggestion that she had tried to cremate the baby, a statement she reiterated to her parents during a subsequent visit.

Richardson's trial began on September 3, 2019, in Warren County, Ohio. She pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated murder, involuntary manslaughter, gross abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and child endangerment. Prosecutors alleged Richardson had burned the newborn's body before burying it and pointed to an internet search she had allegedly performed for "how to get rid of a baby." The defense argued Richardson had been subjected to an overzealous interrogation and presented testimony from a psychologist who diagnosed her with dependent personality disorder, suggesting the disorder could have led her to make a false confession.

Richardson was acquitted of the charges of aggravated murder, child endangerment, and involuntary manslaughter. She was found guilty of abuse of a corpse and sentenced to three years of probation. Her probation was terminated early, ending in 2020, nearly two years ahead of schedule. In 2022, Richardson successfully petitioned to have the records of her conviction sealed.

Following the trial, Richardson attended college and worked part-time at the law firm that had represented her during the case. The case drew national attention and was later profiled on television programs including 48 Hours and Killer Cases.