Four people have been charged with murder following the death of a newborn baby girl who was found with stab wounds at a house in Sheffield's Wincobank area on Sunday morning, 30 August 2026. Andrea Skopova, aged 20, Peter Horvath, aged 19, Peter Horvath, aged 38, and Nina Horvathova, aged 37, face charges of murder, causing or allowing the death of a child, and perverting the course of justice by concealing the killing. A fifth suspect, a 15-year-old girl, has been charged with perverting the course of justice. All five defendants are in custody and are scheduled to appear at Sheffield magistrates court on Wednesday.
Police were called to the property on Holywell Heights at approximately 06:00 BST after concerns were raised about the infant's safety. Despite immediate intervention by emergency responders, the baby could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination confirmed the newborn died as a result of stab wounds.
The charges represent a significant development in the investigation. Initially, seven individuals aged between 15 and 38 were arrested on suspicion of murder. Two suspects, aged 26 and 37, were released on bail, but on Tuesday police obtained a warrant to extend custody for the remaining five as the inquiry deepened.
Investigation and police response
Detective Chief Inspector Tom Woodward, who is overseeing the investigation, acknowledged the profound distress caused by the incident.
We recognise this is deeply distressing for those who would have loved to have a chance to love this baby girl, for the emergency services who responded and for the community who will inevitably be shocked by this incident.
He continued:
Everyone involved in responding to this tragedy - from the first officers and paramedics on the scene to the detectives now leading the investigation - has felt the profound impact of this investigation.
The detective chief inspector reaffirmed the force's determination to pursue the case thoroughly.
Our commitment to this little girl is unwavering. We will confront every difficult and distressing challenge and pursue every line of inquiry with determination and care to secure justice for her.
He added that the local community's support would be vital as the investigation progressed.
We know the local community will hold her in their thoughts and support us as we work through this complex investigation.
Public appeal and ongoing inquiries
South Yorkshire Police are continuing their investigations across the Holywell Heights and Wincobank areas and have made a formal appeal for information. Members of the public who witnessed anything relevant to the case or who possess useful information have been asked to come forward. Those wishing to provide information can reference incident number 993 of 30 August 2026, and Crimestoppers also remains available for anonymous reports.
Officers have confirmed they will maintain their presence in the Holywell Heights and Wincobank area as the investigation continues to develop. The charges filed against the four adults and the 15-year-old indicate that the investigation has progressed beyond the initial arrest phase, with detectives pursuing additional lines of inquiry.
Key Facts:
- A newborn baby girl was found fatally injured at a house on Holywell Heights in Wincobank, Sheffield, on Sunday morning, 30 August 2026, after police were called to reports of concern for her safety
- Post-mortem examination confirmed the infant died from stab wounds
- Four people have been charged with murder, causing or allowing the death of a child, and perverting the course of justice: Andrea Skopova, 20; Peter Horvath, 19; Peter Horvath, 38; and Nina Horvathova, 37
- A 15-year-old girl has been charged with perverting the course of justice; all five defendants are in custody and will appear at Sheffield magistrates court on Wednesday
- Initially seven people were arrested on suspicion of murder; two were released on bail while five remained in custody with extended detention warrants
