Appeals court lifts gag order in Carlisle buried baby case

A state appeals court has lifted the gag order imposed in the case of a Carlisle teenage mother accused of killing her newborn last spring.

On Monday, the 12th District Court of Appeals in Middletown lifted the gag order issued by Warren County Common Pleas Court Judge Donald Oda II in the case against Brooke Skylar Richardson. Oda issued the gag order in August.

“To presume that there may be news coverage that threatens the administration of justice, whether that be against the state or the defendant, is nothing more than pure speculation,” the court opinion reads.

Richardson is accused of killing her baby girl, burning the newborn in the family fire pit and then burying the baby in the backyard in May.

The teen was indicted last year on charges of aggravated murder, involuntary manslaughter, gross abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence and child endangering.

Richardson remains free on a $50,000 bond and under court-ordered house arrest that was a condition of her release.

Warren County Prosecutor David Fornshell declined to comment on the appellate court’s decision when contacted Thursday.

This report contains previous reporting by Staff Writer Lauren Pack.

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