Milwaukee, WI – A Wisconsin woman was arrested after allegedly living with the body of her 10-month-old daughter inside a cardboard box in her apartment, according to authorities. Shyanna Brothers, 28, is facing charges of hiding the corpse of a child following the disturbing discovery in her Milwaukee residence.
Authorities Discover Decomposed Infant
Authorities were called to Brothers’ residence following a report of a foul odor, described as smelling like a dead body, coming from the apartment. Criminal complaint details that when officers arrived, Brothers initially claimed the smell was from old food and admitted that she had told others that “the baby is gone.”
When officers searched the apartment, Brothers allegedly said that a man she was in a domestic violence relationship with had killed the child and forced her to hide the body.
Inside the apartment, officers found a locked bedroom emitting a strong odor of decomposition. Once the door was opened, they discovered a large cardboard box containing the infant in an advanced state of decomposition, surrounded by hundreds of dead flies.
Autopsy Reveals Cause of Death
The autopsy revealed that the baby suffered a skull fracture consistent with blunt force trauma, according to police. Brothers allegedly told authorities that her alleged boyfriend killed the child and threatened her if she contacted law enforcement.
Police, however, were unable to find any evidence of a male being present at the apartment during the investigation.
Disturbing Statements During Interview
During questioning, Brothers made several alarming statements, including claims that she was forced to harm her child and that people were entering her apartment to rape and steal from her. She also made repeated barking noises and appeared to attempt to cover her mouth to prevent herself from speaking further.
Brothers told detectives, “She’s not even comprehending, they already know, you guys already know I did not kill my child,” per the criminal complaint.
Charges and Mental Health Evaluation
Brothers was taken into custody and is currently being held on a $50,000 bond. She is awaiting the results of a mental health evaluation, which are expected next month. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the child’s death and the condition of the apartment.
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