An Ohio mother, Sharon Rose O’Hara, 39, was apprehended by Warren County law enforcement on allegations of severe child abuse. The charges stem from an incident in July at Caesar Creek State Park, where witnesses reported seeing O’Hara violently mishandling her 3-month-old baby.
According to the witnesses, O’Hara was seen forcefully slamming a car seat, with the infant strapped in, onto the ground. The situation escalated when O’Hara allegedly carried the car seat, with the baby still in it, to the water’s edge and began to violently submerge it. She then reportedly removed the baby from the car seat and started to forcefully dunk the infant into the lake.
Onlookers at the scene intervened, rushing to the aid of the baby while others dialed 911. O’Hara was also accompanied by her 9-year-old child at the park. The older child reportedly told the police that they and their sibling had been subjected to mistreatment by their mother in the days leading up to the incident.
The health status of the infant following the incident was not disclosed. However, a grand jury report stated, “On July 28, 2024, at Caesar Creek State Park, the defendant inflicted serious physical harm on her three-month-old child and posed a significant risk to the health and safety of her nine-year-old child.”
O’Hara was taken into custody on Dec. 17 and is currently detained in Warren County Jail. Her court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 20. The charges against her include three counts of child endangerment and one count of felony assault.
The local Fox affiliate, WXIX, reported that the children are now in the care of a relative. The incident has sparked a discussion about child safety and the need for vigilance in public spaces.