Richardson gave birth in secret to the baby she named Annabelle on May 7, 2017, took her outside and buried her in the backyard. The remains were recovered more than two months later after police were notified by an OB-GYN that Richardson told doctors she gave birth to a baby and buried her.
Richardson had also been charged with aggravated murder, involuntary manslaughter and child endangering after prosecutors accused her of murdering the baby. She was acquitted on those charges on Thursday after a two-week trial.
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The remains have been in the Montgomery County morgue in custody of the Warren County sheriff since they were seized as evidence in the case.
Defense attorney Charles M. Rittgers told Oda the Richardsons want to give the remains a proper burial.
“They had made plans now for more than two years to have a proper burial, proper memorial service, but we’ve asked them, even without having Annabelle back, asked them to hold off on balloon releases and a lot of things they’ve wanted to do because of the pending case,” Rittgers said.
He added the family has already secured a burial plot.
“The Richardson family would like to bring closure for Annabelle and give her an eternal resting place,” Rittgers said.
The family of the baby’s father, Trey Johnson, had also requested the remains. Johnson’s mother, Tracy, gave an emotional statement before Richardson’s sentencing on Friday, saying the past two years have been extremely challenging for the family.
“Mr. Richardson,” Oda said, addressing Richardson’s father, Scott, “do I have your word those remains will be buried properly and that there is going to be access by the Johnson family so they can pay their respects?”
Scott Richardson said yes.
Oda told Tracy Johnson to alert the court if the remains are not buried in an appropriate way or if the family is not able to pay their respects.
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• Timeline: Events in the Carlisle buried baby case
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