NEWBORN BABY MARIA SKOPOVA FOUND DEAD AFTER BIRTH — FOUR ADULTS FACE MURDER TRIAL

A newborn baby girl died on the very day she entered the world, leaving a Sheffield community struggling to comprehend the tragedy.

The baby, now identified as Maria Skopova, was previously referred to in court as Baby S. An inquest has heard that she suffered 33 wounds from 15 separate stabbing incidents before she was found at a property in the Wincobank area of Sheffield.

Maria was born and died on August 30, 2026.

A BABY WHO HAD ONLY JUST BEEN BORN

Police were called to a property on Holywell Heights after concerns were raised about the safety of a newborn baby.

Officers searched the property and found the infant in an outbuilding.

Paramedics attended, but Maria was pronounced dead at the scene.

A forensic post-mortem later confirmed that her death was caused by stab wounds.

The circumstances surrounding her death have since become the subject of a major criminal investigation.

HER NAME IS MARIA

For several weeks, the baby was known publicly only as Baby S because of the ongoing investigation and court proceedings.

The opening of the inquest has now identified her as Maria Skopova.

The coroner said Maria died on the day of her birth and adjourned the inquest while the criminal proceedings continue. A further inquest hearing is scheduled for March 25, 2027.

Flowers and tributes have also been left near the property where the tragedy unfolded.

 FOUR ADULTS FACE MURDER CHARGES

Four adults have been charged in connection with Maria’s death:

• Andrea Skopova, 20, believed to be Maria’s mother
• Peter Horvath Jr., 19
• Peter Horvath Sr., 38
• Nina Horvathova, 37

All four are accused of murder.

They also face charges relating to causing or allowing the death of a child and allegedly attempting to conceal the circumstances surrounding the baby’s death.

A 15-year-old girl, who cannot legally be named, has separately been charged with perverting the course of justice.

The defendants have not entered pleas, and the allegations have not been proven in court.

 THE DISCOVERY AT THE PROPERTY

Earlier court proceedings heard that Maria was found inside an outbuilding at the Holywell Heights address.

The prosecution told the court that the newborn had been wrapped in a towel and placed inside a bag on top of a washing machine.

Those details formed part of the evidence presented during the initial court hearings.

Police have urged the public not to speculate about the case while the legal process continues.

Detective Chief Inspector Tom Woodward said protecting the integrity of the criminal justice process was crucial as investigators work to establish exactly what happened to the baby.

 A COMMUNITY LEFT SHOCKED

The case has deeply affected people living around Holywell Heights.

Police officers, paramedics and investigators who attended the scene have also been confronted with the circumstances surrounding the death of a newborn.

Tributes were left near the property as people sought to remember the little girl at the centre of the investigation.

South Yorkshire Police described the circumstances as deeply distressing and said its commitment to seeking justice for the baby remained unwavering.

 THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

Seven people aged between 15 and 38 were initially arrested on suspicion of murder.

Four adults were subsequently charged with murder, while the 15-year-old was charged with perverting the course of justice. Two other women, aged 26 and 37, were released on bail after initially being arrested on suspicion of murder.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The coroner has also said further evidence will be reviewed when the inquest resumes next year.

 THE NEXT COURT DATE

The four adults and the 15-year-old appeared at Sheffield Crown Court on October 2, 2026.

No pleas were entered during that hearing.

The four adults remain in custody, while the 15-year-old has also been remanded in youth custody.

A murder trial has been scheduled to begin on April 12, 2027, and is expected to last between six and seven weeks. Another hearing is scheduled for December 14, 2026.

 MARIA’S STORY IS FAR FROM OVER

Maria’s life lasted only a matter of hours.

But her death has now become the centre of a complex investigation and court case that will continue for months.

As prosecutors prepare their case and the inquest remains adjourned, many questions surrounding the newborn’s final moments are still to be examined in court.

For now, Maria is no longer simply known as Baby S.

She has a name.

Maria Skopova.

And her story will continue through the investigation and the upcoming trial. 🤍