Prosecution witness says evidence points to baby’s homicide

LEBANON, Ohio (AP) — A forensic pathologist says evidence points to homicide in the death of a baby whose mother is on trial for murder.

Dr. Susan Brown of the Montgomery County coroner’s office testified Friday that she concluded the baby died as a result of “homicidal violence.” However, she said she couldn’t determine how the baby died. The defense on cross-examination suggested her evaluation was incomplete and discarded facts indicating the baby was stillborn.

Prosecutors in southwest Ohio’s Warren County say Brooke Skylar Richardson, then 18, killed and buried the unwanted baby after hiding her pregnancy. Her lawyers say she was frightened after the baby was stillborn. The remains were found buried in her family’s backyard in July 2017.

The prosecution will resume its case Monday.