Shannon Richardson Gives Birth 4 Months Early; Nathaniel Richardson, Husband Of ‘Vampire Diaries’ Ricin Letter Suspect Has Temporary Custody

Shannon Richardson, the 36-year-old ricin letter suspect from Texas, gave birth prematurely to a baby boy on July 4. The “Vampire Diaries” and “Walking Dead” extra has been in custody since June 7.

According to attorneys for Shannon Richardson and her husband, Nathaniel Richardson, their child, named Brody, was born four months early and weighed less than 2 pounds. The baby is currently hospitalized and reportedly facing serious medical issues due to his premature birth. KTBS reports that Brody was born at Good Shepherd Hospital in Longview, Texas, but was transferred to another hospital in a different city for treatment. Nathaniel has temporary custody, and his wife is due in court on August 7 for a hearing on whether she’ll have to pay child support.

In late May, Shannon Richardson, who goes by Shannon Rogers Guess while acting, accused her husband of sending ricin to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and President Obama. She contacted the authorities after "discovering" a container of ricin in her Texarkana, Texas, home, fearing that her husband was trying to poison her.

Police questioned Nathaniel Richardson, an army veteran, and later brought in his wife for questioning when he insisted that he was being set up. The actress denied the claims, telling the authorities that she “didn’t do anything” and had not been home for a few days before discovering the ricin.

In late June Shannon was indicted on three counts for sending the ricin-laced letters. The actress could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.