For years, authorities had no idea who was responsible for the death of an infant in Oklahoma, but when a similar tragedy occurred five years later, investigators were finally able to track down a lead.
On June 14, 2023, a 2-month-old child was taken to an Oklahoma hospital after experiencing seizures and internal bleeding. The police’s investigation revealed that Holly Sheppard had been babysitting the child in Ponca City, Kay County, Oklahoma.
Sheppard, 28, was the one who called police, but she allegedly kept changing her story about how the child was hurt, according to Kay NewsCow. A police report obtained by the outlet revealed Sheppard’s eventual explanation: she had “accidentally tripped” and dropped the baby.
The child’s mother reportedly told police that she had searched for a babysitter on Facebook and hired Sheppard three days before. The investigation continued, and Sheppard was arrested for child abuse. In November 2024, she was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of release after 25 years.
Since then, startling new discoveries have emerged.
Sheppard was charged on Monday with first-degree murder for injuring, torturing, or maiming a child in connection with the 2018 death of a 22-day-old infant in Oklahoma County. She is being held without bond at the Oklahoma County Detention Center.
The infant was admitted to an Oklahoma City hospital in January 2018 with “non-accidental abusive head trauma,” according to local outlet KOKH. The baby died a few days later from what officials suspected was blunt force trauma to the head.
While the infant’s mother reportedly told police that she, too, had discovered Sheppard, who was 21 at the time, on Facebook and left her child in her care, investigators were unable to determine — or prove — that Sheppard was the one watching the child when they were injured. No one was charged in the case for more than five years, until the tragic incident in 2023.
According to Kay NewsCow, Oklahoma City police officer Corey Carden returned to the 2018 case when he learned of the Ponca City child’s injuries. He reportedly spoke with a local child abuse expert and pediatrician, who noticed similarities between the two cases. Police are said to have identified a pattern and reported it to the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office, resulting in the new charge.
Ponca City Deputy Chief of Police Josh Henderson told KOKH that Sheppard’s actions were “inexcusable and represent a profound betrayal of the trust placed in someone responsible for a child’s care.”
“No child should ever be harmed by those who are responsible for their well-being. We appreciate the opportunity to assist other agencies in Oklahoma in their pursuit of justice in heartbreaking cases like these,” he added.
The child who was injured in 2023 made “remarkable progress” in the weeks after her injury, according to The Bull Tulsa, a local radio station. A Facebook account titled “Korra’s Journey,” which appears to be documenting the victim’s recovery, has posted updates.
When Sheppard was sentenced for child abuse, the account stated, “Tomorrow is the day.” The day we sit in that courtroom, reliving the trauma as if it were yesterday. As we sit and listen, all of the horrific memories and feelings come flooding back. Tomorrow, we will be able to stand up to evil and be Korra’s voice.
When Sheppard’s arrest for the 2018 death was announced on Tuesday, the account posted: “Justice for Baby Willow is finally happening,” referring to the child victim.
