Baby Boy Horry (South Carolina)
Infant Homicide Case
CLASSIFICATION: Murder
LOCATION
Conway, South Carolina
TIME PERIOD
December 4, 2008
VICTIMS
1 confirmed
Ronald Eugene Woodham IV, a newborn, was found deceased on December 4, 2008, off South Carolina Highway 544 near Conway, Horry County, wrapped in a tote bag and placed inside a box. The infant died from hypothermia due to exposure, and the case remained unsolved for over 11 years until March 2020, when his mother, Jennifer Lynn Sahr, was identified and arrested after new evidence linked her to the crime. Sahr, who claimed panic as her motive after an unexpected birth, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in 2022 and was sentenced to four years in prison, serving only three months before her early release in September 2023. Significant evidence included physical evidence confirming her as the mother, leading to her arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.
Many believe that Jennifer Sahr's decision to leave her newborn on the roadside stemmed from panic and fear after an unexpected birth, leading to speculation about her mental state at the time. There are discussions surrounding the adequacy of her sentencing, with some feeling that a four-year sentence for manslaughter is insufficient given the circumstances of the child's death. Additionally, the case has sparked conversations about the broader issues of maternal mental health and support for new mothers facing crises.
The Tragic Tale of Baby Boy Horry: A Cold Case Solved
The Discovery
On December 4, 2008, the body of a newborn was discovered off South Carolina Highway 544, just outside Conway in Horry County, South Carolina. Wrapped in a tote bag and placed inside a box in a wooded area, the child had succumbed to the cold. He had died from hypothermia, alone and exposed to the harsh elements. For more than a decade, he remained nameless, known only as "Baby Boy Horry." The case went cold, a mystery that seemed destined to remain unsolved.
The Investigation
The heartbreaking discovery was made by utility workers who stumbled upon the small, lifeless body. An autopsy revealed that the baby had been viable at birth, only to meet his end from the frigid temperatures. Despite extensive efforts, the identity of Baby Boy Horry, let alone his parents, eluded investigators, who eventually closed the case due to a lack of leads.
Years passed until, on March 3, 2020, a breakthrough emerged. The Horry County Police Department announced new information, thanks to a tip from Ronald Woodham III, the child's father. This revelation led to the arrest of Jennifer Lynn Sahr, the baby’s mother, in North Myrtle Beach. Sahr, formerly known as Jennifer Rickel, was a student at Coastal Carolina University at the time of the baby's birth. She was detained at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Conway on March 4, 2020, charged with homicide by child abuse, a crime that carried the potential penalty of 20 years to life in prison.
During a bond hearing on March 6, Solicitor Jimmy Richardson read a poignant letter from Ronald Woodham III. In his absence from the courtroom, the letter expressed his grief and gratitude to those who sought justice for his son. He also thanked the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club and community members who ensured that Baby Boy Horry was remembered on his birthdays.
Legal Proceedings
Jennifer Sahr faced the severe charge of homicide by child abuse, but as legal proceedings unfolded, she was released on bail. A plea deal in September 2022 saw Sahr admitting guilt to a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter, leading to the dismissal of the original charge.
Morgan Martin, Sahr's attorney, painted a picture of panic and confusion. Sahr, a sophomore at Coastal Carolina University, had not known she was pregnant. In August 2008, she sought medical attention for numbness in her hands and feet, but claimed she was never informed of her pregnancy. In December 2008, alone and in pain, Sahr unexpectedly gave birth, passed out, and awoke to silence. Believing her child showed no signs of life, she left him on Highway 544. Despite this account, an autopsy confirmed the baby had been alive, air in his lungs proving he had breathed before succumbing to hypothermia.
When Ronald Woodham III learned of his son’s existence and tragic end through DNA confirmation in 2020, his world shattered. He expressed his anguish and frustration, particularly at the lenient sentence Sahr received, feeling the court overlooked the gravity of his loss.
Resolution
In a courtroom filled with emotion, Jennifer Sahr addressed the judge. Her voice trembling, she apologized: "I'm truly sorry. That night, I couldn't provide the help that I needed for my child." She pleaded for forgiveness, hoping for peace for all involved.
Ultimately, the court sentenced Sahr on June 16, 2023, to four years in prison, with credit for time served, plus a six-year suspended sentence and a $1,700 restitution fine for the coroner's office. The judge emphasized the importance of Sahr's current children in the sentencing decision. Ronald Woodham III, while sympathetic, worried about the precedent set by such a light sentence.
In a final twist, Sahr was released early on September 29, 2023, after serving just three months, under community supervision. The case of Baby Boy Horry, once a cold case, had found some resolution, yet left lingering questions and profound sorrow.
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Body Found
The body of Ronald Eugene Woodham IV is discovered off Highway 544.
New Evidence Released
Horry County Police release new information leading to the identification of the baby's mother.
Mother Arrested
Jennifer Sahr is arrested and charged with homicide by child abuse.
Guilty Plea
Jennifer Sahr pleads guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the death of her son.
Sentencing
Sahr is sentenced to 4 years in prison for her son's death.
Early Release
Jennifer Sahr is released early from prison under community supervision.
Baby Named
The baby's father names him Ronald Eugene Woodham IV publicly.
Ronald Eugene Woodham IV, a newborn, was found deceased on December 4, 2008, off South Carolina Highway 544 near Conway, Horry County, wrapped in a tote bag and placed inside a box. The infant died from hypothermia due to exposure, and the case remained unsolved for over 11 years until March 2020, when his mother, Jennifer Lynn Sahr, was identified and arrested after new evidence linked her to the crime. Sahr, who claimed panic as her motive after an unexpected birth, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in 2022 and was sentenced to four years in prison, serving only three months before her early release in September 2023. Significant evidence included physical evidence confirming her as the mother, leading to her arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.
Many believe that Jennifer Sahr's decision to leave her newborn on the roadside stemmed from panic and fear after an unexpected birth, leading to speculation about her mental state at the time. There are discussions surrounding the adequacy of her sentencing, with some feeling that a four-year sentence for manslaughter is insufficient given the circumstances of the child's death. Additionally, the case has sparked conversations about the broader issues of maternal mental health and support for new mothers facing crises.
The Tragic Tale of Baby Boy Horry: A Cold Case Solved
The Discovery
On December 4, 2008, the body of a newborn was discovered off South Carolina Highway 544, just outside Conway in Horry County, South Carolina. Wrapped in a tote bag and placed inside a box in a wooded area, the child had succumbed to the cold. He had died from hypothermia, alone and exposed to the harsh elements. For more than a decade, he remained nameless, known only as "Baby Boy Horry." The case went cold, a mystery that seemed destined to remain unsolved.
The Investigation
The heartbreaking discovery was made by utility workers who stumbled upon the small, lifeless body. An autopsy revealed that the baby had been viable at birth, only to meet his end from the frigid temperatures. Despite extensive efforts, the identity of Baby Boy Horry, let alone his parents, eluded investigators, who eventually closed the case due to a lack of leads.
Years passed until, on March 3, 2020, a breakthrough emerged. The Horry County Police Department announced new information, thanks to a tip from Ronald Woodham III, the child's father. This revelation led to the arrest of Jennifer Lynn Sahr, the baby’s mother, in North Myrtle Beach. Sahr, formerly known as Jennifer Rickel, was a student at Coastal Carolina University at the time of the baby's birth. She was detained at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Conway on March 4, 2020, charged with homicide by child abuse, a crime that carried the potential penalty of 20 years to life in prison.
During a bond hearing on March 6, Solicitor Jimmy Richardson read a poignant letter from Ronald Woodham III. In his absence from the courtroom, the letter expressed his grief and gratitude to those who sought justice for his son. He also thanked the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club and community members who ensured that Baby Boy Horry was remembered on his birthdays.
Legal Proceedings
Jennifer Sahr faced the severe charge of homicide by child abuse, but as legal proceedings unfolded, she was released on bail. A plea deal in September 2022 saw Sahr admitting guilt to a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter, leading to the dismissal of the original charge.
Morgan Martin, Sahr's attorney, painted a picture of panic and confusion. Sahr, a sophomore at Coastal Carolina University, had not known she was pregnant. In August 2008, she sought medical attention for numbness in her hands and feet, but claimed she was never informed of her pregnancy. In December 2008, alone and in pain, Sahr unexpectedly gave birth, passed out, and awoke to silence. Believing her child showed no signs of life, she left him on Highway 544. Despite this account, an autopsy confirmed the baby had been alive, air in his lungs proving he had breathed before succumbing to hypothermia.
When Ronald Woodham III learned of his son’s existence and tragic end through DNA confirmation in 2020, his world shattered. He expressed his anguish and frustration, particularly at the lenient sentence Sahr received, feeling the court overlooked the gravity of his loss.
Resolution
In a courtroom filled with emotion, Jennifer Sahr addressed the judge. Her voice trembling, she apologized: "I'm truly sorry. That night, I couldn't provide the help that I needed for my child." She pleaded for forgiveness, hoping for peace for all involved.
Ultimately, the court sentenced Sahr on June 16, 2023, to four years in prison, with credit for time served, plus a six-year suspended sentence and a $1,700 restitution fine for the coroner's office. The judge emphasized the importance of Sahr's current children in the sentencing decision. Ronald Woodham III, while sympathetic, worried about the precedent set by such a light sentence.
In a final twist, Sahr was released early on September 29, 2023, after serving just three months, under community supervision. The case of Baby Boy Horry, once a cold case, had found some resolution, yet left lingering questions and profound sorrow.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Body Found
The body of Ronald Eugene Woodham IV is discovered off Highway 544.
New Evidence Released
Horry County Police release new information leading to the identification of the baby's mother.
Mother Arrested
Jennifer Sahr is arrested and charged with homicide by child abuse.
Guilty Plea
Jennifer Sahr pleads guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the death of her son.
Sentencing
Sahr is sentenced to 4 years in prison for her son's death.
Early Release
Jennifer Sahr is released early from prison under community supervision.
Baby Named
The baby's father names him Ronald Eugene Woodham IV publicly.