Columbus mom charged after 3 year old found dead at home

Columbus mom charged after 3 year old found dead at home

January 6, 2026

Child found dead in Columbus home as mother charged with murder

COLUMBUS, OH – A quiet residential block on the city’s west side became the scene of a homicide investigation Wednesday evening after a 3-year-old girl was found unresponsive inside a home, leading to the arrest of her mother within hours.

Officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of Orson Drive at 5:34 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report of a child not breathing. When officers arrived, they located Cassidy Sakoulos, 3, with no signs of life. Life-saving measures were immediately attempted until medics arrived, and the child was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 6:06 p.m.

According to Columbus police, the preliminary investigation determined the killing was motivated by domestic violence. Cassidy’s mother, Sharon Sakoulos, 41, admitted to committing the homicide and was taken into custody at the scene.

Authorities have not released further details about the events leading up to the child’s death or the manner in which she was killed. Police confirmed the investigation remains ongoing.

The case is being handled by the Columbus Division of Police, and formal charges are expected to proceed through the Franklin County court system.

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Key Points

  • A 3-year-old girl was found unresponsive in a Columbus home Wednesday evening
  • Police determined the homicide was motivated by domestic violence
  • The child’s mother was arrested after admitting to the killing
Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

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Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

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