Mom who was seen outside her home smoking and appeared caIm when the ambuIance arrived to take her unresponsive 3-year-old chiId, then confessed that she intentionaIIy pIaced a pIastic covering over the toddIer’s head untiI she showed no signs of Iife, kiIIing her, is charged

Ohio – An Ohio woman was arrested and charged with murder in the death of her 3-year-oId chiId, Casidy, police said after the death investigation that began last week. The parent, 41-year-old S. SakouIos, was taken into custody at the county jail following the incident at her home and a judge set her bond at $2 million cash surety at a court hearing Friday. Prosecutors said she admitted to detectives that she suffocated her chiId by pIacing a pIastic bag over her head with the intention of kiIIing her.

Ohio authorities responded to a call around 5:30 p.m. when family or neighbors reported that the child was not breathing inside the residence. First officers who arrived found the victim unresponsive, and emergency responders attempted life-saving measures at the scene before transporting her to the Children’s Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

Investigators quickly began working to determine what happened. Detectives processed the scene at the home and secured any physical evidence that might explain the child’s sudden and tragic death. Court documents later released indicated that the child had visible bruising, suggesting that injuries beyond the suffocation were present. Prosecutors said these details were part of why murder charges were filed rather than lesser counts.

Police interviewed the parent at the home and later at the police station. According to court filings, she confessed to detectives that she intentionaIIy pIaced a pIastic bag over her toddIer’s head with the aim of causing her death. That admission formed a key part of the state’s case, and prosecutors said her intent to kiII her chiId was clear from her statements to Ohio authorities.

Neighbors and witnesses contributed to the investigation by providing context and statements to officers. Some neighbors also commented on the woman’s demeanor during the emergency response. One described seeing her standing outside and smoking a cigarette, noting that she appeared “stoic” and calm despite the serious situation, which neighbors found unusual given that her child had just been taken to the hospital. These witness observations were not part of the legal charges but were included in press coverage and interviews as part of the broader picture of community reaction to the case.

Court documents revealed that the woman also has a 13-year-old child who lives with the child’s father and was not present at the home at the time of the child’s death. Prosecutors also noted the woman has a history of previous felonious assault cases, including events in 2020 and earlier, which were mentioned during her arraignment as part of background information on her criminal history.

Law enforcement officials and prosecutors continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the child’s death, including reviewing medical examiner findings, autopsy results, and any other evidence that might clarify the timeline of events. The medical examiner’s office has ruled the child’s death a homicide, and that determination supports the murder charge against the parent.