An inquest has opened into the death of a newborn baby, Maria Skopova, who was found at a house in Sheffield. The baby, previously referred to as Baby S in court, suffered 33 wounds from 15 separate stabbings and died on the day of her birth, 30 August, in Holywell Heights, Wincobank.
Senior coroner Tanyka Rawden has adjourned the inquest until 25 March 2027, citing ongoing criminal proceedings. The coroner stated that she would review the gathered evidence on that date.
Two men and two women are due to stand trial in April 2027, accused of Maria's murder. Andrea Skopova, 20, Peter Horvath, 19, Peter Horvath, 38, and Nina Horvathova, 37, appeared at Sheffield Crown Court last month. All four, who are Slovakian nationals, have also been charged with causing or allowing the death of a child, and perverting the course of justice by allegedly cleaning the scene.
A 15-year-old girl also appeared in court charged with perverting the course of justice. The adults have been remanded in custody until a hearing on Friday, while the girl was remanded in youth custody. A trial lasting up to seven weeks is expected to begin on 12 April 2027.
The court was previously informed that Maria was found on top of a washing machine in an outhouse at the property. Emergency services were called, and paramedics pronounced Maria deceased. Police inquiries led to her identification after death.