Mom Ieft her baby with a woman she found onIine only for the caregiver to kiII the chiId just four days later from head trauma likely caused by being struck or hitting an object, then do the same to another baby years later: DA

Oklahoma – An Oklahoma woman was formally charged this week with first‑degree murder for the death of a 3-week-old chiId in Oklahoma several years ago. The 28-year-old woman, H. Shepard, faces accusations nearly seven years after the child’s passing, following a renewed investigation that uncovered striking similarities between that case and a later incident involving child abuse. The defendant is already serving a Iife sentence, with the possibility of parole after twenty five years, for injuring a three‑month‑old in July 2023.

Police say the 3-week-old baby was brought to a hospital by the parent after just four days in the defendant’s care. Doctors determined the injuries were consistent with bIunt‑force trauma to the head, and the baby died a few days later. At the time, investigators could not confirm who was babysitting the infant when the injuries occurred, and no charges were filed.

The case remained dormant until a separate incident in July 2023, where another baby, just three months old, was admitted with non‑accidental head trauma. Both families had similarly found the defendant through sociaI media posts offering babysitting services. In the second fatal incident, the injuries were severe enough to lead to charges in late 2023, and in December, the defendant entered a blind no‑contest plea to child abuse and began serving a life sentence with eligibility for parole after twenty five years.

After that plea, Oklahoma authorities reopened the older case. An abuse expert brought in by investigators noted the consistency in injuries—both babies had suffered blunt‑force head trauma likely inflicted either by being struck or by hitting an object. Recognizing a pattern, Oklahoma authorities secured a warrant and arrested the woman in April 2025. She has since been formally charged with first‑degree murder and is being held without bond in the detention center.

The woman’s attorney characterized her as deeply remorseful but acknowledged that she had blinded pleaded to avoid the stress of a trial. Prosecutors meanwhile pointed to her pattern of offering childcare via social media without proper vetting or oversight .

Investigators say their work remains ongoing. They are interviewing more witnesses, reviewing all digital communications tied to the woman’s babysitting arrangements, and coordinating with child abuse experts to fully understand both incidents. Prosecutors plan to present their case to the District Attorney’s office soon, seeking justice for the infant’s death seven years ago .

The developments have prompted warnings from child safety advocates. Experts urge parents to use licensed, vetted childcare services instead of relying on social media strangers. J. Dorrman of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy told KOCO that parents should be wary of searching for any individual to be a babysitter on the internet and should opt for services that perform background checks and training.