Newborn girl stabbed 15 times and left on a washing machine: Mother and three relatives to stand trial for murder next year – Meanwhile, investigators discover suspicious details at Andrea’s home
Four people are set to stand trial next year over the death of a newborn baby girl who suffered multiple stab wounds shortly after birth in Sheffield.
The infant, referred to in court only as Baby S, was found dead on 30 August 2026 at a property in Holywell Heights, in the Wincobank area of the city. She had sustained 33 wounds resulting from 15 separate stabbings to her face and torso, both front and back. A doctor confirmed she was alive when the injuries were inflicted. Her body was discovered wrapped in a towel inside a blue bag and placed on top of a washing machine in an outhouse.
Andrea Skopova, 20, the baby’s mother, along with Peter Horvath Jr, 19, Peter Horvath Sr, 38, and Nina Horvathova, 37, all Slovakian nationals, face charges of murder, causing or allowing the death of a child, and perverting the course of justice by taking steps to conceal the killing and clean the scene. A 15-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with perverting the course of justice. All five defendants have been remanded in custody.
Court proceedings revealed that Baby S was born in the early hours of 30 August at the Holywell Heights address after a 37-week pregnancy. Skopova later attended hospital, where staff raised concerns about the infant’s safety and contacted police around 6am. Officers first checked her previous address before searching the Wincobank property, where the body was located.
Prosecutors stated that Skopova is the mother and that the baby’s father is unknown. Skopova is the girlfriend of Peter Horvath Jr, who is the son of the other two adult defendants. Horvath Jr is not believed to be the father.
The four adults appeared at Sheffield Crown Court, where Judge Sarah Wright set a trial date of 12 April 2027. The hearing is expected to last six to seven weeks. A further court appearance is scheduled for 2 October 2026. Two other women, aged 26 and 37, who were arrested on suspicion of murder remain on bail pending further inquiries.
Investigators examined the scene thoroughly after the discovery. The case has drawn significant local attention, with flowers and soft toys left outside the property as a mark of respect. South Yorkshire Police described the charges as a significant step in a complex investigation into the tragic circumstances surrounding the baby’s death.
The allegations centre on events that unfolded within hours of the birth, the subsequent discovery of the body in an outbuilding, and actions allegedly taken to conceal what had occurred. All defendants deny the charges and will have the opportunity to contest the evidence at trial next year. The case continues to be treated with the seriousness it warrants given the vulnerability of the victim and the nature of the injuries.
Authorities continue to appeal for any further information that may assist the investigation while the formal legal process moves forward.
