A "new friend" invited her over to sort out a mixed-up package. It was a setup — the woman had been faking her own pregnancy for months, and she wanted Sarah's baby.
An Unusual Friendship
In February 2005, Sarah Brady, five days past her due date, was contacted by a woman calling herself Sarah Brody, who claimed a package meant for Brady had been mistakenly delivered to her home due to their similar names. Brody said she was also expecting a baby, and the two women spoke and met a few times as Brady picked up the misdelivered packages, believing she had made a new friend.
A Warning Sign
During one visit, Brady noticed an asthma inhaler in Brody's bedroom labeled with a different name: "Katie Smith." Moments later, Brody collapsed, claiming to be in labor. When Brady tried to help her to the bathroom and then leave, the woman — whose real name was Katie Smith — grabbed her, held a knife to her stomach, and told her she wasn't going anywhere.
The Attack
A struggle followed, lasting roughly 20 minutes. Brady managed to wrest the knife away and used it to stab Smith before fleeing the apartment and calling police, unaware at the time that the wound had been fatal.
What Police Found
Investigators discovered Smith had been wearing a padded prosthetic belly to fake her pregnancy to friends, family, and Brady. A room in her apartment had been set up as a nursery, and a diaper bag contained surgical gloves, cutting instruments, a makeshift umbilical cord clamp, and medical gauze — evidence investigators said showed clear premeditation to remove Brady's baby.
Clearing Sarah
Despite claims from Smith's family that Brady had planned to sell her baby, a polygraph examination supported Brady's account, and police concluded Smith had lured her to the apartment intending to take her baby and kill her. Investigators also found Smith had faked at least three prior pregnancies and had used information from online baby registries to identify and locate other expectant mothers before targeting Brady.
The Outcome
Brady gave birth to a healthy daughter, McKaila Grace, on February 16, 2005. She was not charged in Smith's death.
FAQ
Was Sarah Brady charged with a crime?
No. Investigators determined she acted in self-defense after Smith attacked her with a knife.
Had Katie Smith targeted other women before Sarah?
Investigators believe so — she had faked multiple pregnancies and used online baby registries to identify potential targets.
Did Sarah Brady's baby survive?
Yes. She gave birth to a healthy daughter days after the attack.