Richmond, Kentucky – A Richmond woman is facing serious charges after police say she abandoned her 1-year-old daughter inside an unlocked apartment with no food and walked to a nearby church, leaving behind a farewell note. The incident has raised concerns among officials over child safety and the risks posed by leaving young children unattended.
Incident overview
Authorities say the sequence of events unfolded on Wednesday morning inside an apartment on Villa Drive. According to investigators, Sarah Vicker, 34, fed her daughter around 9 a.m. before placing the child in a playpen. Roughly two hours later, police allege she left the toddler alone inside the residence with no additional food and did not lock the apartment door on her way out.
Court filings indicate the only items left with the child were the playpen and a 65-inch television positioned nearby. Officers noted that the apartment itself had little inside and was considered unsafe for the toddler to be left unattended.
Timeline of the mother’s departure
Investigators say Vicker wrote a handwritten farewell note addressed to her partner before leaving the apartment. Police later learned she walked about a mile and a half to Revival Tabernacle church, where officers located her shortly after noon.
When approached by investigators, the mother reportedly explained her decision in a single sentence.
“My flesh and spirit could not take it no longer, so I left,” she allegedly told officers.
Officials confirmed that Vicker did not attempt to hide her whereabouts and was found walking inside the church building during weekday hours.
What officers discovered at the apartment
After receiving information about Vicker’s departure, Richmond police conducted a welfare check at the residence. Inside, they found the toddler alone in the playpen, unattended and without food.
Police emphasized that the unlocked door increased the danger significantly.
“Overall, the situation with the door unlocked just made it very unsafe for the child,” said Makenzie Davis, executive assistant with the Richmond Police Department.
Officers said the child did not appear to have immediate injuries but was placed into protective care following the discovery.
Charges and booking details
Hamilton County jail records show Vicker is charged with abuse of a child 12 or under and abandonment of a minor. She was booked into the Madison County Jail on Wednesday and assigned a $10,000 bond.
Court schedules indicate she was expected to appear before a judge on Friday to address the allegations.
Community concerns and child safety reminders
Investigators and child-welfare advocates say cases like this serve as a reminder of how quickly dangerous situations can escalate when young children are left alone. Toddlers are especially vulnerable due to limited mobility, inability to communicate needs, and dependence on caregivers for food, supervision, and safety.
Leaving a door unlocked can expose a child to hazards including strangers entering the residence, the child wandering out, or environmental dangers inside the home. Authorities stress that caregivers experiencing stress, exhaustion, or emotional distress should seek immediate help rather than abandoning a child.
Key facts from the investigation
- Suspect: Sarah Vicker, 34
- Location: Apartment on Villa Drive, Richmond, Kentucky
- Victim: 1-year-old daughter
- Items left with child: Playpen, 65-inch TV
- Distance mother walked: Approximately 1.5 miles to a local church
- Charges: Abuse of a child 12 or under; abandonment of a minor
- Bond: $10,000
- Initial court appearance: Scheduled for Friday
Conclusion
Police say the toddler is now safe, and the investigation remains ongoing as officials determine next steps regarding custody, parental rights, and long-term care. The incident has drawn significant attention locally due to the mother’s handwritten note and explanation to authorities.
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