Ohio Cheerleader Murder Trial Begins: Brooke Skylar Richardson Accused Of Killing, Burying Newborn

Brooke Skylar Richardson's murder trial began this week. The former Ohio cheerleader is facing life in prison for allegedly killing and burying her newborn daughter in May 2017. Richardson, now 20, has pleaded not guilty to all charges that she is facing, including aggravated murder and involuntary manslaughter.

According to the Washington Post, conflicting reports have emerged as to what truly occurred the night the college-bound senior gave birth alone in her parents' home as they slept downstairs. Richardson stated that once she determined that the baby was stillborn and did not have the umbilical cord attached, she buried it in her backyard and told no one. However, prosecutors have painted a different picture of the events, which include the Warren County, Ohio resident instead killing her daughter as she did not want to be a mother.

After the death, Richardson resumed her "picture-perfect teenage lifestyle," with only herself and her gynecologist knowing about the baby's existence. In July 2017, her doctor reported the baby's death to the Warren County coroner, who has since been "unable to determine a cause of death."

On Aug. 1, her attorneys requested that all charges be dismissed as an early report that the bones had been charred was later recanted. However, the prosecution argued that the debate "certainly [does] not negate evidence that Richardson caused the death of her baby, created a substantial risk of heath or safety to her baby or buried her baby," reports People.

Jury selection began on Tuesday and testimony began Wednesday. In addition to the aforementioned charges, the 20-year-old has also been charged with endangering a child, tampering with evidence, and gross abuse of a corpse. The trial is expected to last for two weeks, with testimony continuing Thursday.