Newborn Girl Stab@bed 15 Times, Body Dumped on Washing Machine — Mother and Four Others Face Mu@rder Charges in Shocking Sheffield Case
A newborn baby girl was found dead with multiple stab wounds at a residential property in Sheffield, prompting murder charges against four adults, including the infant’s mother, and a related charge against a 15-year-old.
Police were called to Holywell Heights in the Wincobank area of Sheffield at approximately 5:58 a.m. on Sunday, 30 August 2026, following reports of concern for the safety of an infant. Officers and paramedics attended the scene. Despite their efforts, the baby, referred to in court as Baby S, was pronounced dead at the location.
A post-mortem examination determined that the cause of death was stab wounds. Court proceedings later heard that the infant had sustained 33 injuries resulting from 15 separate stabbings to the face and torso, both front and back. Medical evidence indicated the baby was alive at the time of the attack. A bloodstained knife was recovered from the property.
Prosecutors stated that Baby S was born in the early hours of 30 August at an address in Holywell Heights at around 37 weeks’ gestation. The mother, Andrea Skopova, 20, later presented at hospital. Staff there noted she had recently given birth and raised concerns with police when the baby was not accounted for. Officers first checked Skopova’s listed address before attending the Holywell Heights property linked to the other defendants.
At the scene, the baby’s body was discovered in an outbuilding (outhouse). It had been wrapped in a towel and placed inside a blue bag on top of a washing machine. The attack is alleged to have taken place in a bathroom at the property. An eight-year-old child was also present in the house at the time.
Four adults appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on 2 September 2026 charged with murder, causing or allowing the death of a child, and perverting the course of justice by taking steps to clean the crime scene and conceal the killing. They are Andrea Skopova, 20 (the mother); her boyfriend Peter Horvath Jr, 19; and his parents, Peter Horvath Sr, 38, and Nina Horvathova, 37. All four are Slovakian nationals. Court information indicated that Peter Horvath Jr is not the father of the baby; the father’s identity remains unknown.
A 15-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with perverting the course of justice. It is alleged that she and Nina Horvathova cleaned blood from the bathroom. All five defendants required interpreters and were remanded in custody. They appeared at Sheffield Crown Court the following day. A provisional trial date has been set for April 2027, with the case expected to last six to seven weeks. Two other women who had been arrested on suspicion of murder remain on bail.
South Yorkshire Police described the case as a significant step in a complex investigation. Detective Chief Inspector Tom Woodward thanked the local community for its support and urged the public to avoid online speculation that could compromise the legal process. Tributes including flowers and soft toys were left near the property.
The case remains before the courts. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Investigations continue.
