by Columbus, Ohio — What began as an urgent call for help on New Year’s Eve ended in heartbreak and criminal charges after a 3-year-old girl died and her mother was later accused of intentionally killing her, according to police and court records.
Officers with the Columbus Division of Police responded to a home in Ohio’s capital city shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 following reports that a child was not breathing. The victim was later identified as Cassidy Sakoulos, a toddler neighbors described as joyful and full of life.
Neighbors describe frantic police response
Witnesses told local outlets they saw police rush into the home, forcing entry in an attempt to save the child.
“They pretty much kicked the door in,” one neighbor said, describing the urgency of the response.
As first responders worked inside, police reportedly emerged briefly to tell neighbors to say a prayer as Cassidy was prepared for transport to the hospital.
Cassidy was rushed by ambulance to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where she was pronounced dead approximately 30 minutes after officers first arrived, according to reports.
Community remembers a joyful child
Neighbors said Cassidy was well-known in the area and remembered her as a cheerful presence.
She was described as “happy-go-lucky,” a Scooby-Doo fan, and a child who loved dressing up — including as a “unicorn princess” for Halloween.
Residents said the sudden loss of the toddler deeply shook the neighborhood.
Mother’s demeanor raises concern
While emergency crews worked to save Cassidy’s life, multiple neighbors said her mother, Sharon Sakoulos, appeared unusually calm.
“She was standing kind of stoic and calm, smoking a cigarette,” said neighbor Tristan Price. “Like way too calm.”
Another neighbor told reporters the mother appeared “reactionless” while her daughter was being treated inside the home. Those observations later became part of a broader investigation into the child’s death.
Police rule death a homicide
Following an autopsy and initial investigation, authorities determined Cassidy’s death was a homicide motivated by domestic violence, according to police.
Sharon Sakoulos, 41, was taken into custody and booked into Franklin County Jail on suspicion of murder. Prosecutors allege that Sakoulos later confessed to killing her daughter.
Prosecutors outline disturbing allegations
During Sakoulos’ first court appearance on Friday, Jan. 2, prosecutors described what they said was a deliberate act.
According to the prosecuting attorney, Sakoulos told police it was her intention to kill her daughter and allegedly did so by placing a plastic bag over the child’s head.
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The details were presented as the court considered bond and pretrial conditions.
Judge sets $2 million bail
The judge ordered Sakoulos held on $2 million bail and imposed strict conditions should she be able to post bond. The court also ordered that Sakoulos have no contact with any minor children, including her 13-year-old daughter.
That older child does not live with Sakoulos and is in the custody of her father, who is not Cassidy’s father, according to court records.
Case moves forward
Court documents show Sakoulos has not yet entered a plea, and her next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 9. Police have not released additional details about the investigation, but officials say the case remains active as prosecutors prepare for further proceedings.
A tragic end to the year
The death of Cassidy Sakoulos has left neighbors mourning the loss of a child they described as bright and loving, while also grappling with the disturbing allegations now facing her mother.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with additional information relevant to the case to contact police.
This case has raised difficult questions about child safety, domestic violence, and warning signs within communities. What are your thoughts on how situations like this can be prevented? Share your perspective in the comments and join the discussion.
