In a heartbreaking and deeply disturbing case out of Milwaukee, a 28-year-old woman has been charged following the discovery of her 10-month-old daughter’s decomposing body inside a cardboard box in her locked bedroom.
What Happened
On August 13, neighbors contacted police after noticing a strong, foul odor coming from the apartment of Shyanna Brothers. When officers arrived, Brothers claimed the smell was from spoiled food. However, upon entering the residence, authorities discovered something far more tragic — the decomposing body of her infant daughter, Rayne Taylor, hidden inside a large cardboard box in a locked room.
According to the criminal complaint, the box was infested with flies and maggots, and Taylor’s body was in an advanced stage of decomposition. The discovery shocked both neighbors and law enforcement, who immediately launched an investigation.
Claims of Abuse and Mental Health Concerns
In a police interview, Brothers told officers she was a victim of domestic violence, alleging that an unidentified man had forced her to hide her daughter in the bedroom. “He has me hiding her in there,” she reportedly said, while pointing to the room where Rayne was found.
Brothers denied being responsible for the death, telling police that she “had no control over how she died.” Despite her claims, police noted that her statements were inconsistent and that she often appeared incoherent, even talking to someone who wasn’t present during questioning.
Neighbors told reporters that they had never seen Brothers with a baby and that she often spent time outside the apartment. One neighbor also recalled Brothers previously complaining about a smell inside her home — the same smell that eventually led police to the gruesome discovery.
Evidence from the Autopsy
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that autopsy findings revealed Rayne Taylor had suffered a skull fracture — specifically a frontal-parietal break — that was consistent with blunt force trauma. The official cause of death is still pending, but the injury raises serious concerns about how the child died and what happened in the days leading up to her death.
Legal Developments and Mental Health Evaluation
At her court appearance on August 17, Brothers’ defense attorney, Stephen Sargent, raised serious concerns about her mental health. A judge ordered a mental health evaluation to assess her condition before legal proceedings continue.
Currently, no other suspects are being investigated in connection to Rayne Taylor’s death, though Brothers has implicated another person in her police statements. Authorities have not confirmed the identity or involvement of this alleged individual.
The Milwaukee County Police Department has not yet issued a public statement beyond confirming the ongoing investigation. It is also not known whether Brothers has retained additional legal representation.
What to Do If You Suspect Child Abuse
This devastating case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of speaking up if you suspect a child is in danger. If you or someone you know suspects child abuse or neglect, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) or visit www.childhelp.org. Help is available 24/7 in over 170 languages, and all calls are free and confidential.
