Teenage Parents Charged in Tragic Death and Secret Burial of Newborn in North Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A quiet neighborhood in North Linden is reeling from the discovery of a newborn’s shallow grave and the shocking charges against her own teenage parents, who allegedly concealed the pregnancy, buried the infant’s body in secret, and attempted to cover up the heartbreaking events. The 15-year-old mother and 17-year-old father face felony charges of involuntary manslaughter and abuse of a corpse in Franklin County Juvenile Court, as authorities piece together a timeline of deception and tragedy.

The investigation unfolded rapidly on the afternoon of Monday, November 3, 2025, when Columbus Division of Police homicide detectives responded to a tip that led them to the 4000 block of Karl Road, a residential area near Columbus International High School. There, in a makeshift shallow grave hidden in a wooded or open patch off the road, officers uncovered the remains of a baby girl, pronounced dead at the scene by the Franklin County Coroner’s Office. The burial site, described by police as rudimentary and hastily prepared, was just a short 20-minute drive west from the suspects’ home on the 600 block of South Oakley Avenue.

According to detailed police reports obtained by WTOL 11 News, the teenage couple—whose identities are protected due to their juvenile status—admitted to hiding the girl’s pregnancy from family, friends, and neighbors throughout its duration. The 15-year-old, who lived in a modest home surrounded by yellow caution tape in the days following the discovery, reportedly gave birth to the infant in secrecy, likely at their shared residence. Neighbors like Matthew Buffington, who lived next door, recalled casual interactions with the girl, waving hello as she came and went, but had no inkling of the life-altering events unfolding behind closed doors.

“I was absolutely shocked. I was not expecting it,” Buffington told reporters, his eyes fixed on the police tape fluttering in the wind. “We would interact a few times a month—they were always very friendly.” Dennis Jackson, a local who walks the Karl Road area daily, echoed the sentiment of disbelief. “Shocked, of course. I hardly see anybody around, so it’s very sad,” he said, shaking his head at the serene spot now marred by tragedy.

The couple’s actions following the birth paint a picture of panic and desperation, as outlined in the Columbus police affidavit. After the baby was born alive—according to preliminary statements from the suspects and investigators’ beliefs—the infant died shortly thereafter under circumstances still under scrutiny. Rather than seeking medical help or alerting authorities, the teens allegedly wrapped the newborn’s body and transported it to the remote Karl Road location under the cover of secrecy. They then dug a shallow grave, buried the remains, and returned home without raising any alarms. Police reports indicate the burial was done with minimal tools, suggesting an impromptu effort to conceal the death, possibly motivated by fear of repercussions over the hidden pregnancy.

The exact cause of the infant’s death remains pending from the Franklin County Coroner’s Office autopsy, but detectives have emphasized that the baby was believed to have been alive at birth, shifting the focus of the involuntary manslaughter charge to potential neglect or failure to provide care in those critical early moments. Abuse of a corpse charges stem directly from the secretive burial, which authorities described as an attempt to desecrate and hide the body, violating Ohio statutes on proper handling of human remains.

Both teens were taken into custody on November 3 and appeared in Franklin County Juvenile Court the following day, November 4, 2025. During the brief hearing, a judge reviewed the evidence and released them pending further investigation, with strict conditions including no contact with each other and mandatory counseling. Their next court date is set for Monday, November 10, 2025, where prosecutors may present additional findings from the ongoing probe.

Columbus Police Homicide Unit Detective Lt. Richard Biehl addressed the media outside the Oakley Avenue home, urging the community to come forward with any information. “This is a deeply tragic case involving young lives derailed by poor decisions,” Biehl said. “We’re committed to a thorough investigation to honor the memory of this innocent child.” Authorities have not ruled out additional charges as forensic evidence emerges.

The case has sent ripples through the close-knit North Linden community, where residents like Buffington and Jackson grapple with the proximity of such horror. “You never think something like this could happen right next door,” Buffington added, vowing to support local efforts for teen pregnancy resources.

Anyone with tips is encouraged to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers anonymously at 614-461-8477. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on uncovering the full sequence of events that led to this preventable loss.