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COLUMBUS, Ohio (BFMG) — A Columbus woman has been charged with murder after allegedly suffocating her 3-year-old daughter on New Year’s Eve, according to court records and prosecutors.
Sharon Sakoulos appeared in Franklin County Court on Friday, where a judge set her bond at $2 million. Prosecutors said Sakoulos admitted to placing a plastic bag over her daughter Cassidy’s head with the intent to kill her. They also said the child had visible bruising when police arrived.
Columbus police were called around 5:30 p.m. Dec. 31 to the family’s home on Orson Drive. Officers found Cassidy unresponsive, and she was taken to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where she was pronounced dead about 30 minutes later.
Prosecutors said Sakoulos has a history of violent offenses and mental health issues. Records show two prior felonious assault cases, including a 2020 incident in which she threw and shook a container of Ajax cleaning powder into an officer’s face and body. That case ended in 2023 with a sentence of 27 months of community control after she was found incompetent to stand trial a year earlier and treated at Twin Valley Behavioral Healthcare.
In a separate 2016 Champaign County case, court records say Sakoulos punched, kicked, and attempted to bite officers during an arrest. Prosecutors said she has a history of bipolar disorder and psychiatric hospitalization.
Her defense attorney noted that Sakoulos is a military veteran who was honorably discharged.
As part of her bond conditions, Sakoulos is prohibited from possessing alcohol, drugs, or firearms and must stay away from minors and the location of the offense. She has also been ordered not to leave Franklin County.
Franklin County Children Services confirmed it had contact with the family about a year and a half ago but was not involved with them at the time of Cassidy’s death.
Neighbors described Cassidy as “full of life” and expressed shock at the tragedy. Some said Sakoulos seemed distant and often did not focus on her child.
Sakoulos’ next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
