NEWBORN BABY MARIA SKOPOVA NAMED AS FOUR ADULTS FACE MURDER TRIAL

The infant previously known only as “Baby S” was formally identified as Maria Skopova as her mother and three other adults remain in custody

A newborn baby girl who died on the day she was born in Sheffield has now been formally identified as Maria Skopova, as four adults face a future trial over her death.

Maria was born on August 30, 2026, at a property in the Holywell Heights area of Wincobank, Sheffield.

She had previously been referred to in court only as Baby S.

Her identity was formally confirmed when an inquest into her death was opened at Sheffield’s Medico-Legal Centre. Senior Coroner Tanyka Rawden later adjourned the inquest until March 25, 2027, while the criminal proceedings continue.

FOUR ADULTS CHARGED

Maria’s mother, Andrea Skopova, 20, has been charged with her murder.

Also charged are:

• Peter Horvath Jr, 19
• Peter Horvath Sr, 38
• Nina Horvathova, 37

All four are additionally accused of causing or allowing the death of a child and perverting the course of justice.

A 15-year-old girl has separately been charged with perverting the course of justice. She cannot be named because of her age.

None of the defendants entered pleas at their latest Crown Court appearance.

All five defendants have been remanded in custody.

THE BABY WAS FOUND IN AN OUTBUILDING

The case first came to public attention on August 30, when South Yorkshire Police were called to the Wincobank area following concerns about the safety of an infant.

A post-mortem examination later established that Maria died as a result of stab wounds.

At an earlier court hearing, prosecutors said Maria had suffered 33 wounds from 15 separate stabbing injuries.

The court heard that her body was discovered wrapped in a towel and placed inside a blue bag in an outbuilding at the Holywell Heights property.

Prosecutors also said the injuries involved her face and torso, both front and back.

The details remain allegations presented as part of the prosecution case and have not been tested at trial.

QUESTIONS SURROUND THE FAMILY CONNECTION

The four adult defendants are connected through their relationships.

Andrea Skopova is the baby’s mother and was described in court as the girlfriend of Peter Horvath Jr.

Horvath Jr is the son of Peter Horvath Sr and Nina Horvathova.

The court previously heard that the baby’s father is unknown and that Horvath Jr is not believed to be the father.

All four adult defendants are Slovakian nationals.

At their latest hearing, they appeared together in the glass-fronted dock, accompanied by security guards and Slovak interpreters. Members of their families were present in the public gallery.

THE CASE WILL RETURN TO COURT

A further hearing has been scheduled for December 14, 2026.

The murder trial is currently scheduled to begin on April 12, 2027, with proceedings expected to last approximately six to seven weeks.

The inquest into Maria’s death has been adjourned until March 2027 because of the ongoing criminal case.

South Yorkshire Police previously urged the public not to speculate or share unverified information about the investigation, stressing the importance of protecting the integrity of the legal process.

A BABY WHO FINALLY HAS A NAME

For weeks, the newborn at the centre of the investigation was known publicly only as Baby S.

Now she has a name.

Maria Skopova.

She lived for only a matter of hours, but her identity has now been formally recorded as the investigation moves toward a full trial.

Four adults remain accused of offences connected with her death. None has been convicted, and all are entitled to a fair trial.

The next major chapter in the case will unfold in court in 2027, when prosecutors will be required to present their evidence and the defendants will have the opportunity to answer the allegations against them.