She was left in the care of her mother's boyfriend for ten days. By the time she reached a hospital, doctors could not save her.
Who Was Teghan
Teghan Skiba was born in 2006 to Helen Reyes and Jerry Skiba. Her father was incarcerated shortly after her birth, and she was raised primarily by her mother.
Left in Richardson's Care
In January 2010, while Helen Reyes was away for army reserve training, four-year-old Teghan was left in the care of her mother's boyfriend, 25-year-old Jonathan Douglas Richardson, at his grandparents' home. Over a period beginning that July, Richardson subjected Teghan to sustained physical abuse. On July 16, 2010, he brought her to a North Carolina medical center, claiming she had fallen off her bed. Medical staff found injuries inconsistent with that account and had her transferred to a specialized hospital, where she died of her injuries days later.
The Investigation
Hospital staff alerted authorities, and Richardson was arrested and held pending trial. At trial, a state medical examiner testified that Teghan's injuries included marks consistent with a power cord and severe head trauma. Forensic evidence, including DNA and bite-mark analysis, connected Richardson to the abuse. We are not detailing the specific injuries further, given the age of the victim.
Trial and Sentencing
Richardson's defense argued he suffered from untreated mental health issues and a history of childhood abuse, and disputed some of the charges against him. He was convicted of kidnapping, sexual offense, and other charges related to Teghan's death and was sentenced to death. Teghan's mother, Helen Reyes, was separately convicted of felony negligent child abuse resulting in serious harm and sentenced to 18 months in prison for leaving Teghan in Richardson's care.
FAQ
Who killed Teghan Skiba?
Jonathan Douglas Richardson, her mother's boyfriend, who was caring for her at the time of her death.
What happened to Teghan's mother?
Helen Reyes was convicted of felony negligent child abuse and sentenced to 18 months in prison.
What sentence did Richardson receive?
He was sentenced to death after being convicted of kidnapping, sexual offense, and related charges.