Teen’s trial moved to 2018 in Carlisle buried baby case

WARREN COUNTY — UPDATE @ 1:22 p.m.

Skylar Richardson, 18, is accused of aggravated murder in the death of her infant daughter. She was in Warren County court today for a pre-trial hearing.

There were no motions presented during the hearing, but several items the judge wanted to address.

A previous motion by the defense was granted for continuance of November trial. Two possible dates for a new trial were mentioned, both next April 2018.

A motion was withdrawn for the defense to measure the police interrogation room.

EARLIER REPORT

A Carlisle teen accused of killing her baby is scheduled to be in court today.

>> REPORT: Carlisle teen delivered stillborn baby and had eating disorder

Skylar Richardson, 18, is accused of aggravated murder in the death of her infant daughter. Prosecutors say she gave birth to her baby, killed the infant, burned the baby's body and then buried the remains in the backyard of her home in Carlisle in May.

>> EXCLUSIVE: Prosecutor outlines challenges in Carlisle buried baby case

She is in court today for a pre-trial hearing.

Richardson was arrested and charged in July.

With two months until Richardson trial is to begin on Nov. 6, defense attorney Charlie M. Rittgers has filed two motions, one to photograph and measure the interview room at the Carlisle Police Department were Richardson was questioned and for names of experts the prosecution has consulted along with email between them and prosecutors.

The bill of particulars filed Tuesday by the prosecution has little additional information about the charges against Richardson. But the jury will have to consider if the evidence is enough to convict her of either aggravated murder or involuntary manslaughter.

>> Carlisle buried baby case: What both sides are saying

The aggravated murder charge maintains the defendant “purposely caused the death of her infant.” But the involuntary manslaughter charge says she “caused the death of her infant child by committing endangering children,” meaning she “failed to assist, care for, and/or seek medical attention for her infant child after her birth.”

Rittgers has said Richardson did not kill her baby. The prosecution says the baby girl was born alive. But Warren County Coroner Dr. Russell Uptegrove says the exact cause of death may never be known due to the condition of the remains.

A gag order has been issued by Oda prohibiting all parties involved in the case from making public statements about the case.

In an interview with Cincinnati Magazine, Richard’s extended family member said Richardson delivered a stillborn baby and suffered from an eating disorder.